The attacker, believed to have attended Prečko Elementary School in the past, entered a first-grade classroom early Friday morning. Initial reports indicate that he targeted the teacher and several young students. Tragically, a seven-year-old girl lost her life due to the attack, and eight others were injured.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with helicopters transporting the wounded to hospitals throughout the city. The teacher is reported to have sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition, according to a statement from Sveti Duh Hospital. Zagreb police confirmed that the attacker is currently in custody, and all injured individuals are receiving necessary medical care.
Among the injured, three children are being treated, with injuries that aren’t believed to be critical. Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic remarked how rapidly the police intervened, subduing the individual within ten minutes of the assault beginning. Eyewitnesses described chaotic and distressing scenes, as ambulances arrived and people hurriedly evacuated the building. Social media videos also captured the panic, showing dozens fleeing across the school’s adjacent sports fields.
The attacker’s mother, speaking to a local daily, revealed her son’s history of emotional instability and prior psychiatric treatment. She expressed concern about his release from medical care, emphasizing her pleas to healthcare providers to reconsider discharging him. Authorities, including Zagreb’s mayor and Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic, quickly congregated at the scene to offer their support and oversee the ongoing investigation.
In response to this horrific event, Croatia’s Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, conveyed national shock and sorrow, describing the incident as a ‘tragedy.’ He also declared that a national day of mourning will be observed to honor the victims. Health Minister Irena Hristic is expected to visit hospitals treating the injured to assess the situation firsthand.
While such attacks are uncommon in Croatia and the wider Balkan region, recent history isn’t devoid of violence, with a series of shootings last year in Serbia, one of which targeted a Belgrade school. The incident has reignited conversations about safety and security in educational institutions across the region.
This tragic event has left the community in mourning and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding mental health and security in schools. Authorities are urged to review preventive measures to avert such incidents in the future.
