On the somber anniversary of Serbia's first-ever school shooting, hundreds of people gathered at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in central Belgrade to honor the nine children and a school guard who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The shooting, carried out by a 13-year-old boy with his father's guns, shocked the nation, where mass shootings are rare.
Following the school shooting, another tragic incident occurred just a day later when a 20-year-old man went on a shooting rampage outside the capital, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to 12 others.
The day of remembrance began at 8:41 a.m., the exact time of the school shooting, with a silent vigil and tributes paid to the victims. The event, titled 'Awakening,' aimed to prompt introspection in a society grappling with the aftermath of the violence.
Parents of the slain children have been vocal in their calls for the school to be closed and transformed into a memorial center. They have organized protests and awareness campaigns to ensure that the tragedy is not forgotten.
In response to the shootings, the Serbian government implemented a gun crackdown, collecting thousands of weapons and ammunition. Support services were provided to those affected, and security measures were heightened at schools across the country.
President Aleksandar Vucic acknowledged the lasting impact of the tragedy on the nation, emphasizing the need for unity and reflection in the face of such senseless violence.
Legal proceedings are underway for the suspects involved in both shootings, with the alleged school shooter's parents facing charges for their role in the incident. The community's outrage over the shootings has led to calls for accountability and measures to combat hate speech and intolerance.
As Serbia continues to grapple with the repercussions of these tragic events, the anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of peace and understanding in the country.
