Terrorism: 70-year-old man shoots and sets fire to tent near Serbian Parliament amid protests Por Luís Henrique Costa
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A 70-year-old man opened fire in front of Serbia’s Parliament in Belgrade on Wednesday (22), injuring a 57-year-old pedestrian in the thigh. The suspect, identified as a former state security agent, set fire to a tent set up by supporters of President Aleksandar Vučić shortly after the shooting. Police exchanged gunfire with the attacker and detained him at the scene, securing the area within minutes to contain the incident.
The act occurred amid a wave of protests for and against the Serbian government, ongoing for nearly a year since the collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad, northern Serbia, which killed 16 people. Authorities confirm the injured person was taken to a hospital in stable condition, with no immediate risk to life.
The burning tents, visible in widely shared videos, belong to an improvised camp set up by Vučić supporters to block opposition protesters. The president interrupted an official event to address the incident.
- The suspect carried a gasoline canister and confessed to acting with the intent to provoke a lethal police response.
- He worked for over 16 years in Serbia’s state security, according to preliminary records.
- No other injuries were reported among police or civilians present.
Details of the armed confrontation
Security forces approached the scene after hearing the first shots around 11 a.m. local time. The 70-year-old man initially targeted a passerby walking through the park between the Parliament and the presidential office.
The exchange of gunfire lasted less than a minute, with flames quickly spreading to the canvas structure. Firefighters extinguished the blaze shortly after, preventing further damage to the historic building.
Vučić’s official statement
The Serbian president labeled the episode a terrorist act during an impromptu press conference. He displayed footage of the detained suspect, who was handcuffed on the ground.
Vučić noted the incident was anticipated given the tense political climate. Authorities are investigating possible political motivations but have not released further details pending the completion of interrogations.
Context of ongoing protests
Demonstrations against Vučić’s government intensified after the Novi Sad accident, attributed by critics to failures in public works oversight. Hundreds of thousands have taken to Belgrade’s streets in recent months.
The pro-government camp, in place for months, serves as a physical barrier against opposition groups. Isolated incidents, such as object-throwing, occurred previously, but this is the first involving firearms.
Students and activists lead demands for transparency in state contracts. The government has responded with heightened public security in sensitive areas.
Profile of the detained suspect
Vladan Angelković, the 70-year-old attacker, served in Serbia’s intelligence agency until 2009. Colleagues describe him as reclusive post-retirement, with no recent history of activism.
In his initial statement, he admitted to purchasing fuel for the fire and targeting the pedestrian by chance. Police found additional ammunition in his possession.
Investigators are exploring links to opposition groups, though sources suggest the act may stem from personal motives. Ballistic tests confirm the shots hit only the civilian victim.
Enhanced security measures
Following the incident, police increased their presence around the Parliament. Additional barriers were erected in Belgrade’s central park.
Authorities advised the public to avoid gatherings near government buildings. The Ministry of Interior issued an alert for real-time threat monitoring.
The episode reinforces rapid-response protocols tested in recent drills. No cancellations of official events have been announced.
Immediate repercussions in the country
Opposition leaders condemned the violence but questioned the official terrorism narrative. Student unions called for an independent investigation into the Novi Sad collapse.
Local media broadcast the event live, focusing on the flames. Social media recorded over 50,000 video shares within an hour.
The Serbian government called an emergency meeting to assess future risks. Parliamentarians from all sides issued statements urging restraint.
