A Finnish MP has reportedly taken their own life in the country’s parliament building.
Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, which first reported the news, said that a person died in the Parliament Building in Helsinki at around 11am on Tuesday.
While officials only confirmed the death of a person, local media said that the MP has taken their own life. The identity of the MP has not yet been revealed.
Police investigating the incident reportedly do not suspect foul play, while paramedics are also at the scene. Emergency services are said to have received a call at 11.06am today.
Finnish broadcaster Yle reported that at least one ambulance, a firetruck and two police vehicles were present at the Parliament Building.
One person who works nearby told the outlet: ‘Ambulances drove behind the Parliament Building with their whistles blaring. Then a full-size fire truck, a police car and, with a slight delay, an armored police Mercedes also drove there.’
Security Director Aaro Toivonen neither confirmed nor denied the reports, instead telling local media: ‘There is a mission underway, with rescue authorities, police and emergency services on site. I cannot say more than that at this stage.
‘I can’t say what the emergency response from the emergency center has been. Parliament is a bit of an exceptional site, so one could imagine that such things have been considered when the situation has been unclear.’
Finland’s PM Petteri Orpo said the ministerial group of the Coalition Party, the ruling party, would ‘stop talking about politics’ for a time in response to the tragedy.
He added: ‘We received some really shocking news some time ago from Parliament, our shared workplace, that one of our colleagues has passed away on Parliament premises. Really sad news.’
Finland’s parliament is currently in recess, with the autumn session set to begin on September 2.
More to follow.
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