A man has opened fire near the National Assembly building in Belgrade and set ablaze a tent erected by supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has sparked immediate condemnation from the Serbian leader, who labeled it a ‘terrorist attack.’ According to reports, a 70-year-old man, Vladan Andelkovic, was detained after the attack, during which he reportedly shot and wounded a 57-year-old man, Milan Bogdanovic, before igniting a tent set up by Vucic’s supporters.
Firefighters were quick to respond and extinguished the fire, while police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Vucic, in a televised address, condemned the attack as an attempt to spread fear and urged citizens to avoid acts of revenge. ‘Revenge did no one any good,’ he said, emphasizing the need for calm amidst the incident. The president also addressed the suspect’s possible motives, suggesting that the man may have been trying to feign insanity, given his background in security forces. ‘This person and his helpers, if any, will be severely punished,’ Vucic vowed.
The suspect, Vladan Andelkovic, was reported to have thrown a handful of ammunition into the fire, further escalating the situation. In a video obtained by state media, the suspect was heard claiming that he had acted with suicidal intent. ‘The occupation of the city center annoys me. I set fire to the tent with gasoline,’ he said. ‘I wanted you to kill me because I can no longer live.’ While authorities did not confirm the authenticity of the video, the incident has raised questions about the possible motives behind the attack. Vucic, however, suggested that the man’s actions were calculated, stating that he ‘tried to pretend to be crazy.’
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with some reports suggesting that the incident could be linked to broader political issues. The president also warned against any actions taken in response to the attack, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order. ‘I saw the anger this caused, those who are against the blockaders want to gather, and I am asking them not to do so,’ Vucic said. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety and the need for restraint in the face of such violence. As the investigation continues, the government is expected to provide further details on the motive behind the attack and any possible connections to larger political issues.