Finland PM stabbing attack attempt thwarted by security guards

A man with a knife who attempted to stab the prime minister of Finland during election campaigning activities was held back by security guards, the Associated Press reported.

Citing a government spokesman, Kari Mokko, the AP said the man did not succeed in reaching Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen, who is unhurt, before being restrained by security.

The incident took place during a campaign stop in the city of Turku, the AP reported. The BBC reported that Katainen, 41, resumed campaigning shortly after the attempted attack.

Finland holds municipal elections on Sunday.

The man with the knife was handed over to police. Finnish news agency STT reported that the man was acting in "a confused manner," according to the BBC.

A local photographer who witnessed the attempt told the AP that the man didn't actually attempt to attack Katainen, but — holding a knife — kneeled down in front of him.

“He was trying to get Katainen’s attention,” Seger told the AP.