Belgrade [Serbia], October 23 (HBTV): Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has condemned Wednesday's shooting near the National Assembly in Belgrade as a 'terrible terrorist attack' after a 70-year-old man opened fire and set fire to a tent outside the Parliament building, Russia Today reported.
Police identified the assailant as Vladan Andelkovic, who allegedly shot and wounded a 57-year-old man, Milan Bogdanovic, before igniting a tent erected by supporters of President Vucic's government. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh but was not critically injured.
Firefighters promptly extinguished the blaze as police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Local media reports suggested that the suspect threw ammunition into the fire before being detained by authorities.
During a televised address, Vucic condemned the assault, describing it as a 'terrorist attack on other persons and property.' He said the attacker had deliberately purchased gasoline and set fire to the tent, calling the act an attempt to spread fear.
'The occupation of the city centre annoys me. I set fire to the tent with gasoline,' the suspect said in a video played by Vucic, where he also claimed he had acted with suicidal intent. 'I wanted you to kill me because I can no longer live,' he added.
The Serbian president further stated that the suspect had 'tried to pretend to be crazy' but was actually aware of his actions, citing his background in security forces. 'This person and his helpers, if any, will be severely punished,' Vucic added.
The shooting occurred amid ongoing public protests against Vucic's government — some of the largest demonstrations in Serbia in decades. The rallies, which began after a deadly accident last year that killed 15 people at a newly renovated train station, have since expanded across the country, according to The New York Times.
Vucic linked the violence to growing political tensions and rhetoric from student-led demonstrations. 'I saw the anger this caused. Those who are against the blockaders want to gather, and I am asking them not to do so,' he said. 'Revenge did no one any good. Revenge must not exist, and I warn everyone not to do it.'
Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar confirmed that the wounded man was being treated for serious injuries but remained in stable condition.
The police investigation is ongoing as authorities assess the motive behind the attack and any potential links to the current political unrest.