Commemorations Honor Victims of Serbia's Deadliest Shootings

Hundreds gathered in Belgrade on Friday to commemorate the victims of Serbia's first-ever school shooting and a second mass shooting that occurred just a day later last year. The somber event, titled "Awakening," took place outside the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School, where a 13-year-old boy is accused of killing nine people and wounding six others using his father's guns on May 3, 2023.

Why this matters: The commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the need for governments to take proactive measures to prevent such tragedies. It also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of senseless violence, including hate speech and intolerance, to ensure a safer and more compassionate society.

The commemoration included art installations, a panel discussion, and short films about the victims. Serbian television stations interrupted their broadcasts to display the text "We remember" on a black screen. The event also paid tribute to the victims of a second shooting rampage that occurred outside the capital on May 4, 2023, leaving nine people dead and 12 others wounded, mostly young people.

The parents of the slain children have been fighting to have the school closed and turned into a memorial center. They have organized protests, remembrance events, and testified about their ordeal to promote awareness. Ninela Radicevic, a mother of one of the victims, said that society and the government had "rushed to forget" the tragedy and hoped that Serbia can prevent such a horrific crime from happening again.

In response to the shootings, Serbia's government launched a gun crackdown, collecting about 80,000 weapons and rounds of ammunition. State-backed support teams offered counseling, and police officers were deployed outside schools for security. Psychology professor Aleksandar Baucal, part of the team behind the commemoration, said, "We have missed many chances to react better... (but) I think it is never too late to pause ... and to try not to make the same mistakes in the future."

The suspects in both shootings were apprehended, and trials are ongoing. The alleged school shooter's parents are on trial, charged with teaching their underage son to shoot and with not securing the weapons at their family home. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic paid respects on Friday, saying that the "unthinkable tragedy has left a permanent scar on the soul of our entire nation."

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds gathered in Belgrade to commemorate victims of Serbia's first-ever school shooting.
• The shooting killed 9 and wounded 6, with a 2nd mass shooting occurring the next day.
• Serbia's government responded with a gun crackdown, collecting 80,000 weapons and ammo.
• Trials are ongoing for the suspects, including the school shooter's parents.
• The commemoration aims to prevent similar tragedies and promote a safer society.