Shots Fired Outside Serbian Parliament Leave One Man Injured

A man sustained serious injuries on Wednesday following a shooting incident outside the parliament building in Belgrade. The violence erupted near a tent set up by supporters of Serbian President Aleksander Vucic, prompting a swift police response and the detention of one individual. Officials confirmed the incident as a serious security breach, with Vucic describing it as a “terrorist act” during a government event.

The shooting occurred in a public park situated between the parliament and Vucic’s office, where his supporters had established tents to prevent protesters from approaching the government buildings. Notably, no protests were ongoing at the time of the shooting. Videos circulated on social media, showing armed security personnel approaching the tents as a man limped away from the scene. Eyewitness accounts indicated that several shots were fired, and a fire ignited within one of the tents.

According to Telegraf.rs, a 70-year-old man shot a 57-year-old man in the leg before firing a gas canister within the tent camp. Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar reported that the injured man required urgent surgery due to the severity of his wound. A video verified by Reuters depicted a man lying on the ground with his hands behind his back, surrounded by police officers, as emergency responders arrived at the scene.

Witnesses described the chaotic atmosphere, with police and fire engines quickly surrounding the area. An officer present at the site reassured the public, stating, “there is no danger anymore.” Following the incident, local police secured the location and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

This violent episode occurs amid ongoing tensions in Serbia, where large-scale protests against Vucic have persisted for over a year. The protests were initially triggered by the collapse of a train station awning in Novi Sad last November, which resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals. Many citizens blame the incident on government negligence and corruption.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to determine the motives behind the shooting and the identity of the assailant. The incident has heightened concerns about public safety in the capital, as the political climate remains fraught with division and unrest.