Belgrade, 3 May 2023 (MIA) – Eight children and a security guard were killed, and seven people were wounded in a school shooting in Belgrade elementary school “Vladislav Ribnikar” on Wednesday. The shooter is a 14-year-old student (K.K.) who planned the tragedy in detail one month in advance, said Serbian officials at an emergency press conference Wednesday, MIA’s Belgrade correspondent reports.

Senior Belgrade police official Veselin Milić said that the shooter called the police himself, saying he shot several people.

“According to the current information, pupil K.K. planned the crime for a longer period of time. The motive has not been determined yet. He chose May 3, 2023, because the history classroom was near the entrance of the school. He acquired the firearm, a 9 mm gun, from his father’s apartment, and additionally prepared four Molotov cocktails,” said Milić.

Immediately after arriving at the school, the teenager shot the security guard and attacked two children.

“He fired at the two children, and then continued down the hallway to the history classroom. He entered the classroom and immediately shot at the teacher and the rest of the pupils. Afterwards he left the classroom, went to the school yard and called the police, after which we arrested him,” said Milić.

The Police Chief showed a plan in which the shooter designated the priority targets.

At the press conference, Serbian Minister of Education Branko Ružić said the Serbian Government is declaring a three-day mourning period across Serbia starting from May 5 until May 7, with schools suspended for the rest of the day, while Thursday’s classes will begin with a minute of silence.

“I express deep sadness over the greatest tragedy that has happened to Serbia and our educational system. No one can give these children back to their parents. The security ring existed, the video surveillance was operational, and the school policeman was present too,” said the Minister.

The Education Minister said Serbia too is a part of the world where such things are happening more and more often.

“The cancerous, deadly influence of the internet, video games, and so-called western values is evident, and we all know that we need a big turnaround, harsher measures, but also systemic solutions,” said Ružić.

Health Minister Danica Grujičić offered her condolences to the parents who lost their children and thanked the health workers.

Speaking about the state of the injured, the Health Minister said that six children and one teacher are currently hospitalized in Belgrade.

“Two boys have injuries on their lower extremities, they are stable and out of danger, while a girl, with a head wound, is in a critical state. Everything has been done, but the injury is serious, and the medical workers are still fighting for her life,” said the Minister.

The Health Minister added that one girl has a gunshot wound in the chest area and an arm injury, but she is currently in a stable condition.

“A boy with a gunshot wound to the chest and neck has a spinal cord injury, and is the most seriously injured patient. The surgery is underway and the boy will need to have additional interventions,” said the Minister.

The teacher is in a critical condition as well, with injuries to the pelvis and arm.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić will address the public over the shooting on Wednesday evening.