Lithuanian education minister shocked after school knife attack

VILNIUS - Education Minister Raminta Popoviene said she was shocked after a knife attack at a Marijampole school in which a 17-year-old injured several students, and called for greater focus on emotional health.

"This morning's incident in Marijampole is deeply distressing - violence has affected children who should feel safe at school," the minister wrote on her Facebook account.

According to Popoviene, it is essential to address students' emotional well-being, gaps in prevention and improve security measures in educational institutions. She said the ministry is in contact with the school and that assistance is being provided to victims.

The minister also stressed the importance of strengthening access to psychological help and improving cooperation between schools, families and municipalities.

Female students born in 2010 and 2007 were taken to hospital following the attack; their lives are not in danger. One male student was also injured. The 17-year-old suspect has been detained.

The school's principal previously said the suspect has psychological disorders, and the motives for the attack remain unknown.

Education at the gymnasium was suspended for the day following the incident. A similar incident was also recorded in Vilnius, where a student allegedly threatened classmates with a knife.