Slovakia School Stabbing: 13-Year-Old Kills Teacher

A 13-year-old student fatally stabbed a 61-year-old teacher at an elementary school in Staškov, Slovakia, on Monday, 29 September 2026. The Slovakia school stabbing left two other people seriously wounded, and police quickly detained the teenage suspect at the scene. The attack has sent shock waves through the small northern town and reignited debate about school safety across the country.

What happened at the Staškov primary school?

The stabbing occurred inside an elementary school in Staškov, a village of about 2,754 people in the Čadca District of the Žilina Region, near Slovakia's border with the Czech Republic. Emergency services treated the wounded before transporting them to hospital. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok said the school had a camera system, but it was not functioning at the time of the attack, reportedly because of maintenance.

“The investigation is ongoing and we will not speculate about possible motives,” the minister told reporters. The case has drawn renewed attention to school violence in Slovakia and the gaps that can allow such attacks to happen.

Victims and suspect in police custody

The attack killed a 61-year-old female teacher. A 41-year-old female teacher and a female student, whose age has not been disclosed, were seriously injured. The suspected attacker, a 13-year-old pupil at the same school, was arrested and remains in police custody. Authorities have not released the suspect's name or said how the weapon was obtained.

The stabbing follows a series of similar incidents in the country. In 2025, an 18-year-old student fatally stabbed two people at a high school in northern Slovakia. Earlier attacks include a 2020 assault at a school in Vrútky that killed a deputy principal and injured five people, and a 2022 stabbing in Nováky that wounded a student.

Government response and investigation

Minister Šutaj Eštok traveled to Staškov with his counterparts from the education and health ministries. President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Investigators are examining the suspect's background and the circumstances that led to the stabbing, while local authorities review safety protocols.

The incident is likely to accelerate debate over school security measures, including mandatory functioning surveillance systems, staff training, and coordination between police and schools.

Timeline of recent Slovak school attacks

• 2020: A former student killed the deputy principal and injured five people at a school in Vrútky.
• 2022: A high school student injured another student at a school in Nováky.
• 2025: An 18-year-old student fatally stabbed two people at a high school in northern Slovakia.
• 2026: A 13-year-old student killed a teacher and wounded two others in Staškov.

School safety in Slovakia: a wider concern

The Staškov stabbing has put school safety back on the national agenda. Across Europe, education ministries are confronting questions about student mental health and supervision. Experts in youth violence and mental health say early intervention and accessible counseling can reduce risks, but implementation varies widely between regions.

For parents and educators, the case raises practical questions about preparedness. A functioning camera system, clear emergency protocols, and visible adult supervision are often cited as basic safeguards, yet resources remain uneven in smaller municipalities.

FAQ: Slovakia school stabbing in Staškov

What happened at the school in Staškov, Slovakia?

A 13-year-old student stabbed a 61-year-old teacher to death at an elementary school on 29 September 2026. A 41-year-old teacher and a student were wounded.

Has the suspect been arrested?

Yes. Police quickly detained the 13-year-old suspect, who remains in custody. The motive is unknown.

Why did the school's cameras not record the attack?

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok said the school had a camera system, but it was not functioning at the time, likely because of maintenance.

Where is Staškov?

Staškov is a village in the Čadca District, Žilina Region, in northern Slovakia, close to the border with the Czech Republic.

Has Slovakia seen similar school attacks?

Yes. In 2025, an 18-year-old student killed two people at a northern Slovak high school. Earlier attacks occurred in Vrútky in 2020 and Nováky in 2022.