A teenager stabs a 7-year-old to death and wounds a teacher and 3 more children in a Croatian school

Key Takeaways:

• A former student attacked Precko Elementary School in Zagreb, killing a 7-year-old girl.
• Three more children and a teacher were wounded in the knife attack.
• The attacker had mental health issues and had previously attempted suicide.
• Authorities declared a day of mourning and canceled Christmas festivities.
• Officials expressed deep sorrow and called for unity in the wake of the tragedy.

Tragedy Strikes Zagreb Elementary School

A knife-wielding 19-year-old former student walked into Precko Elementary School in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, on Friday morning and launched a brutal attack that left a 7-year-old girl dead and wounded three other children and a teacher. The incident occurred around 9:50 a.m. on the last day of school before the Christmas holiday.

The Attack

Witnesses reported chaos as the attacker entered the school, which educates children aged 7 to 15, and began his assault. Video footage broadcast by Croatian media showed children running from the building and a medical helicopter landing in the schoolyard to evacuate the wounded. The assailant eventually began injuring himself before being apprehended by police.

“The attacker is a 19-year-old who is a former student of that school and still lives nearby,” Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic stated. “Eventually he started injuring himself. Police prevented him from committing suicide.”

Profile of the Attacker

Authorities revealed that the attacker had a history of mental health problems and had previously attempted suicide. “It is hard to say this person was mentally balanced,” Bozinovic remarked. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

National Response

In the wake of the tragedy, Croatian authorities declared Saturday a day of mourning and canceled some of the Christmas festivities. Candidates for the upcoming presidential election announced a temporary suspension of their campaigns out of respect for the victims.

President Zoran Milanovic expressed his grief, stating, “There are no words to describe the grief over the horrible and unthinkable tragedy that shocked us all today.” He called for unity and efforts to ensure that schools remain safe havens for children.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic echoed these sentiments at a government session, saying he was “appalled” by the attack and that authorities are working diligently to determine exactly what happened.

A Rare Occurrence

School attacks are rare in Croatia and the Balkans as a whole. However, this incident comes after a similar tragedy in neighboring Serbia in May 2023, when a teenager opened fire at a school in Belgrade, killing nine fellow students and a school guard.

Calls for Unity and Safety

The horrific event has prompted nationwide reflection on mental health issues and school safety. Officials are emphasizing the importance of providing support to those in need and ensuring that educational institutions remain secure environments for learning.

As Croatia mourns, the community is coming together to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.