Zagreb school stabbing

{{Short description|Mass stabbing in Croatia}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}

{{Infobox civilian attack

| title = Zagreb school stabbing

| image = Banner at Prečko elementary.jpg

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption = Banner on a gate at the back of the school, with the inscription: "Zauvijek u našim mislima. Počiva u miru." (translated to English: "Forever in our thoughts. Rest in peace.").

| map = {{Infobox mapframe|marker=school|zoom=15|coord={{coord|45.7942818|N|15.9043259|E|display=inline}}}}

| coordinates = {{coord|45.7942818|15.9043259|type:event|display=inline,title}}

| location = Prečko Elementary School, Dekanići 6, Trešnjevka South District, Zagreb, Croatia

| target = Students and staff

| date = 20 December 2024

| time = {{circa}} 9:50 a.m.

| timezone = CET, UTC+01:00

| type = Mass stabbing

Attempted murder-suicide

| fatalities = 1

| injuries = 7 (including the perpetrator)

| perpetrator = 19-year-old male

| weapons = Knife

| motive = Under investigation

| charges = * Murder

}}

On 20 December 2024, a mass stabbing occurred at Prečko Elementary School in Zagreb, Croatia. The attacker, identified as a 19-year-old male, stabbed seven individuals, resulting in the death of a 7-year-old student. Six others, five students and a teacher, also sustained injuries.

Background

This marked the first school attack in Croatia since the 1972 shooting in Zadar, where a 19-year-old student fatally shot two teachers.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-04 |title=Zadarski - S 19 godina upucao je dvojicu zadarskih profesora: 'Više sam uzbuđenja osjetio kad sam ubio dvije grlice!' Što kažu svjedoci, kazna na Golom otoku |url=https://zadarski.slobodnadalmacija.hr/zadar/4-kantuna/s-19-godina-upucao-je-dvojicu-zadarskih-profesora-vise-sam-uzbudenja-osjetio-kad-sam-ubio-dvije-grlice-sto-kazu-svjedoci-kazna-na-golom-otoku-1286942 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=slobodnadalmacija.hr |language=hr-hr}}

Attack

The attacker, dressed in black and with a balaclava on his head,{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |title=Jutarnji list - Rekonstrukcija tragedije u Zagrebu: Ubio je prvašića, izbo još troje i ranio učiteljicu. Trebao je biti na liječenju |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/rekonstrukcija-tragedije-u-zagrebu-ubio-je-prvasica-izbo-jos-troje-i-ranio-uciteljicu-trebao-je-biti-na-lijecenju-15535260 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.jutarnji.hr |language=hr-hr}} entered the Prečko Elementary School at about 9:50 a.m., physically assaulting a student in the corridor before storming a random class with a knife, killing a seven-year-old student and wounding five more students and a teacher in the process.{{cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/20/knife-attack-at-zagreb-school-leaves-7-year-old-dead-several-injured|title=Knife attack at Zagreb school leaves 7-year-old dead, several injured|work=Euronews|date=20 December 2024}} The 62-year-old teacher allegedly attempted to protect the kids from the knifeman, before getting stabbed 31 times by the attacker.{{Cite web |last=Guša |first=Andrea |date=2024-12-20 |title=Učiteljica (62) pokušala zaštititi učenike od napadača s nožem: 18 godina je radila u školi |url=https://www.zagreb.info/vijesti/uciteljica-62-pokusala-zastititi-ucenike-od-napadaca-s-nozem-18-godina-je-radila-u-skoli/692064/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Zagreb.info |language=hr}}{{Cite web |title=Učiteljica je zadobila čak 31 ubodnu ranu: Doznajemo kakvo je stanje ozlijeđenih u stravičnom napadu u školi |url=https://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/napadnuta-uciteljica-imala-31-ubodnu-ranu-i-jos-dise-pomocu-aparata---886960.html?itm_source=TopNews&itm_medium=Dnevnik&itm_campaign=Naslovnica |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Dnevnik.hr |language=hr}} According to the mother of one of the pupils present in the classroom during the attack, the kids reacted by hiding under the tables, before eventually getting up and running away in different directions. Some of the kids were found in the school kitchen, some on the school exit, while she found her daughter in a restaurant across the street.{{Cite web |title=Majka učenice koja je bila u razredu za vrijeme napada ispričala detalje: Uletio u razred, djeca su se sakrila ispod klupa |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/majka-ucenice-koja-je-bila-u-razredu-za-vrijeme-napada-ispricala-detalje-uletio-u-razred-djeca-su-se-sakrila-ispod-klupa-1825127 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.vecernji.hr |language=hr}} The perpetrator escaped from the scene to a nearby health centre.{{Cite web |title=Ravnatelj policije otkrio najnovije informacije: "O njemu postoje dva sigurnosna događaja" |url=https://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/dovrsen-policijski-ocevid-ravnatelj-policije-otkrio-najnovije-informacije-on-nije-zabiljezen-kao-pocinitelj-kaznenih-djela---886922.html |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Dnevnik.hr |language=hr}}

While hiding in a toilet at the health centre, the attacker attempted suicide using the knife. The police detained him about ten minutes after receiving a distress signal.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |title=Božinović: "Počinitelj je bio učenik te škole, živi u blizini škole..." |url=https://n1info.hr/vijesti/bozinovic-policija-je-napadaca-svladala-za-10-minuta-poceo-je-nanositi-ozljede-sam-sebi-takoder-nozem/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=N1 |language=hr}} He was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment of his self-inflicted wounds. Meanwhile, a helicopter ambulance landed in the schoolyard and six ambulances rushed to the scene, transporting the wounded to various hospitals around Zagreb.{{cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=Croatian Seven-Year-Old Killed, Several Injured in School Knife Attack |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2024/12/20/croatian-seven-year-old-killed-several-injured-in-school-knife-attack/ |work=Balkan Insight}}

Investigation

Several hours after the attack, Croatian Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović held a press conference. Božinović stated that the motive of the attack remains unknown, but that the perpetrator had had a history of mental health issues. The police later stated that the attacker would be charged with one count of aggravated murder and four counts of attempted aggravated murder.{{Cite web |title=FOTO Gotov očevid u Prečkom: Napadač će biti prijavljen za teško ubojstvo i četiri pokušaja teškog ubojstva |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/zagreb/drama-u-skoli-u-preckom-ucenik-nozem-napao-uciteljicu-i-ucenike-1824893 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.vecernji.hr |language=hr}} A psychiatric examination concluded that the attacker is mentally fit for a criminal charge. He was then taken to the police station in Heinzelova street in Zagreb, where he remained silent during questioning. He was then detained and transferred to Remetinec prison.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-30 |title=Jutarnji list - Ubojica iz Prečkog ispitan u policiji i na DORH-u, prijavljen za čak 45 kaznenih djela, određen mu pritvor u Remetincu |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/crna-kronika/ubojica-iz-preckog-ispitan-u-policiji-i-na-dorh-u-prijavljen-za-cak-45-kaznenih-djela-odreden-mu-pritvor-u-remetincu-15538173 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=www.jutarnji.hr |language=hr-hr}} The police stated that the attacker will be charged with a total of 45 criminal offenses, including 40 counts of children's rights violations.

Perpetrator

The perpetrator, a 19-year-old male, identified by the authorities only by his initials, L.M., was a former student at the school who had suffered from mental health issues and attempted suicide in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2024/12/20/croatian-seven-year-old-killed-several-injured-in-school-knife-attack/|title=Croatian Seven-Year-Old Killed, Several Injured in School Knife Attack|work=Balkan Insight|date=20 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/croatian-teacher-children-injured-knife-attack-school-2024-12-20/|title=Pupil killed in knife attack at Croatia school|work=Reuters|date=20 December 2024}} His mother told 24sata that he was taken to a psychiatric institution for a treatment on the day of the attack, and that she doesn't know when or how he ended up going to Prečko Elementary School. She also said that she was afraid of her son due to his behaviour and that, one month prior to the attack he held her and his grandmother hostage in their own apartment.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |title=Jutarnji list - Progovorila majka napadača: 'Noćima nismo spavali u strahu zbog njega. On se liječio, a doktor ga je hladnokrvno pustio van' |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/progovorila-majka-napadaca-nocima-nismo-spavali-u-strahu-zbog-njega-on-se-lijecio-a-doktor-ga-je-hladnokrvno-pustio-van-15535124 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.jutarnji.hr |language=hr-hr}}

Croatian media site RTL reported that the attacker was "obsessed" with knives and sabres, which he purchased on the internet.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |title=Ubojica iz škole kupovao je oružje preko interneta. "Ovaj nož nije dovoljno oštar" |url=https://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/ubojica-iz-skole-bio-je-opsjednut-nozevima-i-sabljama-kupio-je-i-macetu/2626430.aspx?index_tid=612458 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.index.hr |language=hr}}

Reactions

= Domestic =

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Vigil at Prečko Elementary.jpg

| width1 = 190

| caption1 = The largest of several vigils for the victim on the school courtyard. Lanterns were placed around the center of the basketball court, with teddy bears and other plush toys in the center.

| image2 = Mimohod nakon masakra u OŠ Prečko.jpg

| width2 = 250

| caption2 = A procession organized by The Croatian Teachers' Union in the aftermath of Prečko massacre, brought thousands of Zagreb citizens to the street. Similar processions were also organized in other Croatian towns such as Rijeka or Osijek.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-23 |title=Jutarnji list - Tisuće na mimohodu zbog užasa u Prečkom, došao i Joško Lokas: 'Tamo sam odrastao. Školama smo oduzeli sve, svi smo za to krivi' |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/tisuce-na-mimohodu-zbog-uzasa-u-preckom-dosao-i-josko-lokas-tamo-sam-odrastao-skolama-smo-oduzeli-sve-svi-smo-za-to-krivi-15536099 |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=www.jutarnji.hr |language=hr-hr}}

}}

On the day of the attack, Croatian Ministry of Health announced that they dispatched the inspection to the institution where the attacker was treated.{{Cite web |title=Inspekcija poslana u psihijatrijsku ustanovu gdje se liječio ubojica iz škole |url=https://www.index.hr/vijesti/clanak/inspekcija-poslana-u-psihijatrijsku-ustanovu-gdje-se-lijecio-ubojica-iz-skole/2626337.aspx |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.index.hr |language=hr}} The Government proclaimed the following day, 21 December 2024, a national day of mourning.{{Cite web |title=Građani pale svijeće na školskom igralištu OŠ Prečko |url=https://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/clanak/gradani-pale-svijece-na-skolskom-igralistu-os-precko-foto-20241220/slika-e950c815d8c4764e7cf1dfc8a8eaf8ca |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=tportal.hr}}{{Cite web |title=Sutra u Hrvatskoj Dan žalosti povodom tragičnog napada u Osnovnoj školi Prečko |url=https://vlada.gov.hr/vijesti/sutra-u-hrvatskoj-dan-zalosti-povodom-tragicnog-napada-u-osnovnoj-skoli-precko/43559 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=vlada.gov.hr}} Later on the day of the attack, Mayor of Zagreb Tomislav Tomašević and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković came out with a list of precautions that will be taken in all Croatian schools moving forward in order to prevent another attack from occurring. The measures are to take effect as soon as the schools reopen following the winter break.{{Cite web |title=Od prvog dana drugog polugodišta sve će se škole zaključavati |url=https://vijesti.hrt.hr/hrvatska/plenkovic-i-tomasevic-iznijeli-mjere-za-podizanje-sigurnosti-u-skolama-11921309 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Hrvatska radiotelevizija |language=hr}} The City of Zagreb also provided contact information for psychological assistance, support, and counseling services available to all citizens without the need for a referral.{{Cite web |last=Vujčić |first=Marijana |date=2024-12-20 |title=Nakon tragičnog napada, iz Grada objavili kontakte za pomoć: Može se doći bez uputnice |url=https://www.zagreb.info/vijesti/nakon-tragicnog-napada-iz-grada-objavili-kontakte-za-pomoc-moze-se-doci-bez-uputnice/692088/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Zagreb.info |language=hr}}

Citizens of Zagreb assembled in front of the school throughout the day to light candles and lay down toys and messages in honor of the victim.

The president of the Croatian Teachers' Union called for the government to bring a national plan for protection and prevention against violence in schools, which was reportedly in the works at one point, but was never finalized. The Croatian Teachers' Union, the Rebirth Union and the Independent Union of Croatian Highschool Employees held a procession on December 23 under the name "{{Lang|hr|Za sigurnu školu|italic=no}}" (For a safe school).{{Cite web |title=Tragedija u OŠ Prečko: Mladić napao djecu i učiteljicu, jedno dijete umrlo |url=https://vijesti.hrt.hr/hrvatska/zagreb-ucenik-nozem-napao-uciteljicu-11920496 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220182539/https://vijesti.hrt.hr/hrvatska/zagreb-ucenik-nozem-napao-uciteljicu-11920496 |archive-date=20 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Hrvatska radiotelevizija |language=hr}}

= International =

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić expressed his condolences to the families of those injured in the attack on behalf of himself and all of Serbia.{{Cite web |title=Vučić: Naše misli su uz porodice stradalih u napadu u školi u Zagrebu i građane Hrvatske |url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/vucic-nase-misli-su-uz-porodice-stradalih-u-napadu-u-skoli-u-zagrebu-i-gradjane/2y0e1p0 |website=Blic |language=sr}} A vigil was organized by the parents of the children killed in the 2023 school shooting in Belgrade, and held on 21 December on the Republic Square in Belgrade.{{Cite web |last=Zekić |first=Miloš |date=2024-12-21 |title="Mi smo komšije i moramo da pazimo jedni na druge": Skup na Trgu republike zbog napada u Zagrebu |url=https://n1info.rs/vesti/mi-smo-komsije-i-moramo-da-pazimo-jedni-na-druge-skup-na-trgu-republike-zbog-napada-u-zagrebu/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=N1 |language=sr-RS}} During the anti-government protests in Niš on 22 December, the protestors held sixteen minutes of silence – fifteen minutes for the fifteen victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse and an additional one for the killed Zagreb student.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-22 |title=FOTO, VIDEO Brojni studenti, građani i zdravstveni radnici na protestu u Nišu: 16 minuta ćutanja i šetnja do Tvrđave uz povike "Promene", "Ne plaše nas kobre" |url=https://nova.rs/vesti/drustvo/foto-video-brojni-studenti-gradjani-i-zdravstveni-radnici-na-protestu-u-nisu-16-minuta-cutanja-setnja-do-tvrdjave-uz-povike-promene-ne-plase-nas-kobre/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Nova.rs |language=sr-RS}}

The Government of Montenegro declared 23 December a national day of mourning in the country following the attack.{{cite web |title=Zbog tragedije u Zagrebu u ponedjeljak i u Crnoj Gori dan žalosti: ‘Naše misli su s našim susjedima‘ |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/svijet/zbog-tragedije-u-zagrebu-u-ponedjeljak-i-u-crnoj-gori-dan-zalosti-nase-misli-su-s-nasim-susjedima-15535401 |website=jutarnji.hr |access-date=21 December 2024}} US Ambassador to Croatia Nathalie Rayes also expressed her condolences.{{Cite web |title=Američka veleposlanica Rayes: Duboko smo ožalošćeni današnjim tragičnim događajima |url=https://www.tportal.hr/vijesti/clanak/americka-veleposlanica-rayes-duboko-smo-ozalosceni-danasnjim-tragicnim-dogadajima-20241220 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=tportal.hr}}

See also

References