A shooting and fire broke out outside the National Assembly of Serbia on Wednesday morning, injuring one person and reigniting concerns about political violence in the Balkans.
According to local reports, a man opened fire near a tent occupied by supporters of President Aleksandar Vučić, wounding one bystander before setting the structure ablaze. The area was quickly sealed off by police, and the suspect was detained at the scene.
Eyewitnesses reported several gunshots and a burst of flames rising from the park in front of parliament, where pro-government activists have been camped for months in what critics describe as a staged show of loyalty to Vučić.
President Vučić condemned the incident in a televised address, calling it a “terrorist act” targeting innocent citizens. He claimed the attacker deliberately poured gasoline on the tent before setting it on fire, saying the goal was to “spread fear.”
The president also suggested the suspect had a background in the security services, though authorities have not confirmed this claim. Police have launched a formal investigation, and prosecutors are expected to release preliminary findings later this week.
The attack comes amid months of mass anti-government protests in Serbia. Demonstrators accuse Vučić’s administration of corruption, political intimidation, and tightening control over the media and judiciary.
The continued presence of pro-Vučić encampments near government buildings has fueled anger among opposition supporters, who view them as symbols of the president’s dominance over public space and political discourse.
Analysts say Wednesday’s violence could intensify divisions in an already polarized political landscape.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or confirmed the motive.
Forensic teams remained at the site for several hours as investigators collected shell casings and examined the remains of the burned tent.
Police stated that the injured man is in stable condition and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.