Thousands gather in Serbian capital to pay tribute to victims of school shooting

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Thousands of people gathered in the center of Serbia's capital Wednesday evening to pay their respects to the victims of a school shooting that left at least nine people dead.

The crowd silently laid flowers, placed toys and lit candles in front of the school where eight children and a security guard were killed by a seventh grader who opened fire on them with his father’s pistol.

A bigger crowd consisting of parents with young children, school children and other people laid flowers and lit candles at a nearby square.

There was no noise or speech, only silence during the gathering.

A small part of the crowd headed towards the building of the Education Ministry and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Branko Ruzic for failing to provide security for the school.

There were whistles and shouts of "Resignation!"

In other cities of Serbia, citizens also gathered in the squares to pay tribute.

The eight students and a security guard were killed when a teenage boy reportedly opened fire in a school in the Serbian capital Belgrade, authorities said Wednesday.

Another six students and a female teacher were injured in the incident, which took place at Vladislav Ribnikar Primary School around 8.40 a.m. local time (0640GMT), according to the Interior Ministry.

The 14-year-old suspect, identified only by his initials, K.K., has been arrested, the ministry said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry meanwhile expressed sorrow over the incident.