Serbian Education Minister Branko Ruzic told a news conference that the government has declared three days of mourning, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the victims of the school shooting in Belgrade.

The minister said he met with President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to discuss the tragedy.

Asked by N1 about claims that the boy was bullied, Ruzic said that he was informed about one report of peer violence against the boy who shot his school mates, a teacher and a security guard.

Ruzic claimed that the education system did not fail the boy, claiming that a cut on his lip was reported while he was in a private acting class. The minister said the negative influence of the Internet is present everywhere, and laid blame on what he called western values. “The devastating influence of video games and so-called Western values is evident and it’s clear to everyone that a huge change is needed with stricter measures and a system solution,” the minister said.

Teenager opens fire in Belgrade school

“Thank God this did not happen earlier,” he said.

He praised the courage of teachers at the school who tried to prevent the tragedy.

The authorities also decided to close schools for the day and start classes by observing a minute of silence.