The attacker was killed after using a crossbow to attack a police officer at Israel's embassy in Serbia. Serbian media reports that a man was killed by gunfire when he shot a crossbow at a police officer stationed outside of Israel’s embassy in Belgrade, Serbia.
The embassy is shut today and its employees are not present.
According to reports, the officer was shot in the neck by the attacker's arrow but was able to fire back and fatally shoot him. In a statement, Deputy Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić said the injured policeman is awake and receiving treatment at the hospital. He stated that the incident is being investigated as a potential terror attack and mentioned the police is examining the potential ties to a radical Islamic movement, although there is no clear evidence of this at the moment.
Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia's President, disclosed late Saturday that the offender was Salahudin Zujovic, and had indeed converted to Islam and radicalized. Other reports indicated that the perpetrator may have received help from a foreign national.
Zujovic hailed from central Serbia and had changed his faith from Serbian Orthodox Christianity to Islam. He mentioned that he had collaborated with a partner who was still on the loose.
"We are in search of another individual," Vucic informed the reporters following his visit to the injured policeman. We will ensure the protection of all diplomatic missions and also provide assurance of safety and security.
Following the attack, Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz thanked the Government of Serbia and everyone who swiftly reacted to the incident targeting X, previously known as Twitter.
"I appreciate the Government of Serbia and all those who acted promptly for their robust support and collaboration after the attempted terrorist attack on the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade today, resulting in injury to a Serbian guard by the terrorist. I also extend my hopes for a speedy recovery to the injured guard," Katz stated, emphasizing, "Terrorism must never be condoned!"
