Journalism of Courage
Gunshots rang out outside Serbia’s parliament building in Belgrade on Wednesday, leaving one person injured and triggering panic in the city centre. A fire broke out moments later in one of several large tents set up earlier this year by supporters of President Aleksandar Vučić during anti-government protests.
Video footage as reported by Reuters showed armed security officers rushing toward the burning tent outside the parliament complex. A few shots could be heard before flames engulfed the structure.
Authorities have not yet confirmed who opened fire or what caused the blaze. Police have declined to comment, however, President Vučić described the incident as a “terrorist act.”
Local media outlet NOVA reported that one person was injured in the shooting. According to N1 TV cited by Reuters, the victim — a 57-year-old man — sustained a gunshot wound but is in stable condition.
Another video circulating on social media platform X showed a man lying face down on the pavement with his hands behind his back as police officers surrounded him. It remains unclear if the man was a suspect or a bystander.
The area around the parliament was cordoned off as emergency services arrived on the scene. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
