Day of mourning in Croatia after deadly attack at elementary school, protests on Monday

(Patria) - Today is a Day of Mourning in Croatia following the tragic attack on students and staff at "Prečko" Elementary School.

The Day of Mourning is marked by the mandatory flying of the Croatian flag at half-mast on all buildings housing state government bodies and local and regional self-government units, as well as buildings where legal entities are based or operate, or where natural persons conduct independent activities.

Entertainment events cannot be held on the Day of Mourning, and legal entities engaged in television and radio broadcasting should adjust their programs to mark the Day of Mourning by broadcasting programs that are appropriate in nature for the commemoration of that day.

Three educational unions - the Croatian Teachers' Union, the Preporod Union, and the Independent Union of Employees in Secondary Schools of Croatia - announced that they will lead a peaceful procession "For a Safe School" in the center of Zagreb on Monday, December 23, at 6 PM.

On Friday morning, shortly before 10 AM, a young man armed with a knife entered "Prečko" Elementary School and attacked a teacher and several students. One seven-year-old child died in the attack, and five people were injured, including three children, the teacher, and the attacker.

Three children and the teacher were transported to several Zagreb hospitals.

The nineteen-year-old attacker, who had previously been registered for mental health issues and was treated at the Sveti Ivan Psychiatric Clinic in Jankomir, fled to a nearby Health Center building after the attack at the school and injured himself with a knife. The police quickly apprehended him, and he was transported to "Sveti Duh" General Hospital due to his injuries.