Estonia in mourning after pupil shoots and kills teacher in classroom

Tributes have been paid to a school teacher shot and killed by a pupil during class time in Estonia on Monday.

Fifty two year Ene Sarap suffered a fatal gun shot wound after being shot by a 15 year old pupil at Paalalinna School in Viljandi, Public Broadcasting reports.

Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves led tributes to the German language teacher: "What happened is not a tragedy of one school or one town. This is a tragedy for the whole of Estonia. This is the mourning of all of us and shock to all of us.

"No conflict in the society, the community, the family should end with such violence. I sincerely ask all my fellow countrymen – let us notice at the right time and act at the right time. Let us not look past situations where misunderstanding, anger, bitterness, physical or mental violence, sadness rule.

"Let us talk with each other, support each other, help each other," said the president, adding "Let us hug our child who came from school today especially long."

More details have begun to emerge regarding the incident. The 15 year old boy is believed to have surrendered his weapon after being confronted by members of staff. The revolver used in the attack is also understood to have been owned by the father, interior Minister Hanno Pevkur said.

If found guilty, the boy could face up to ten years in prison, Postimees Online reports. 

Persons close to the shooter described him as a successful pupil and open person. Recent Facebook postings by the ninth grader give some insight in to the shooting. Facebook photos show weapons whilst he posted messages including "Don't judge me cause I'm quiet. No one plans a murder out loud."

He has also posted messages like "You inspire my serial killer" and "Nobody cares". Photos further reveal that the boy was involved in medieval fighting.

Sarap has been described as an experienced and valued teacher. The Estonian German Language Teachers society granted her the title of teacher of the year in 2010 and she was elected Viljandi County Teacher of the Year in 2007.

(Edited by Rayyan Sabet-Parry)