Late on Thursday, a tragic shooting incident occurred near the Serbian town of Mladenovac, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the capital, Belgrade.

State-run media reported that eight people lost their lives, while 13 others were injured. According to reports, the attacker fired an automatic weapon from a moving vehicle before fleeing the scene, leaving the community in shock and searching for answers. Police are currently investigating the incident and are searching for the perpetrator.

The local authorities dispatched a heavy police presence to the area, along with several ambulances and helicopters. The incident follows a recent school shooting in Belgrade, in which a 13-year-old student killed eight of their peers and a security guard.

Sadly, this type of violence is not uncommon, and in 2023, a villager in Mladenovac shot and killed 13 of their relatives and neighbors. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by these senseless acts of violence.