A shocking incident unfolded at a school in Azambuja, near Lisbon, on Tuesday when a 12-year-old boy stabbed and injured six other children, according to Portuguese police. The victims, aged 11 to 14, were attacked on the school premises in what authorities described as a rare and isolated incident, reports Associated Press.
One of the victims, a boy, sustained a serious chest injury but is in stable condition, according to Azambuja Mayor Silvino Lúcio. He was rushed to a Lisbon hospital, where his condition is no longer life-threatening. Five girls, who also suffered wounds, were treated for minor injuries, mostly to their arms.
The young attacker was swiftly taken into custody by police. No information has yet been released about the motive behind the attack.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro condemned the incident, offering his thoughts for the quick recovery of the injured children in a message posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He expressed his shock at what he called an “isolated attack,” emphasising that such violent incidents are extremely rare in Portugal.
“It was an isolated act and a strange occurrence in Portuguese society, but one that should prompt all who work in public spaces to reflect with a sense of responsibility,” the Prime Minister wrote.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the event has stirred significant public concern, given the rarity of violent acts in schools in Portugal. Authorities are working with school officials to ensure the safety and well-being of students in the aftermath of the attack.