
Horror in Slovakia: At least two dead in knife attack on student at school
At least two people were killed when a student carried out a knife attack at a school in eastern Slovakia, TA3 television reported today.
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The Slovak news agency TASR reported that the attack took place in the town of Spišská Stará Ves.
Ambulances have been deployed to the school, TA3 reported, adding that in addition to the two confirmed dead, another person is in critical condition.
According to information from Slovakian TV Markiza, the suspect allegedly took board exams at the high school in question on Thursday, to which he transferred from the high school in Kežmarok. He has also threatened to attack classmates in the past.
"The event is unprecedented in the history of the city," the reporter said. He confirmed that the people who did not survive the attack were a teacher and a student, and the total number of injured is not yet known.
"The perpetrator has been arrested, and he was on the run for more than an hour, the police warned residents not to try to catch him," added Jozef Slivenski. All emergency services are on the scene.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini called the attack in Spišská Stará Ves a true tragedy and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
"No problem in the world can be solved with a knife or any other weapon. However, peaceful and civilized resolution of any disputes, without hatred and violence, must be the goal of the entire nation and the entire society. Everyone should contribute in their own way so that the atmosphere and level of interpersonal relations do not create space for violent actions with human victims," said Pellegrini.
Shortly after the attack, the high school student council also spoke out. The high school student representatives said they were shocked and called on the public to stop the hatred in society.
"Schools should be a place where young people grow, learn and dream of a better future. Instead, we are witnessing violence and hatred that are found in our classrooms. The tragedy that occurred in the Spišská Stara Ves high school is a threatening signal for the entire society," the council writes.