Stefanovic: Perpetrator of attack outside parliament building suspected of attempted murder

BELGRADE - The chief public prosecutor of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, Nenad Stefanovic, said on Wednesday the perpetrator of a shooting outside the national parliament building in central Belgrade had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

After a verbal dispute arising from differing political views, the suspect produced a firearm he was carrying illegally and fired several shots, hitting another person in a thigh and a gas bottle that stood nearby, causing an explosion and fire, Stefanovic said.

He said the suspect had been identified and arrested in the shortest period of time and that a timely and efficient police action had prevented an even greater tragedy.

Stefanovic said the suspect had been placed in custody for up to 48 hours on suspicion of committing the crimes of attempted murder, illegal possession, carrying and distribution of firearms and explosives and causing general danger.