In the space of just one day, two shocking crimes have rocked the capital, leaving the city in disbelief and raising fresh concerns about public safety.
Around 1:00 p.m. on Monday, a fight erupted near the “Fan Noli” school in the city’s bustling streets. Three teenagers, all aged 14, became involved in a brutal altercation that escalated quickly. The result was devastating: one young boy lost his life after being fatally stabbed in the chest.
The victim, identified as M.C., was rushed to the hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries. A second teenager, also wounded during the attack, is currently in stable condition at a local medical facility. The police have detained one suspect, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the violence.
“The shock of such an incident, especially so close to a school, has left the community shaken,” said a local resident. “It’s hard to understand how something so violent could happen in broad daylight, so close to children.”
President Bajram Begaj issued a heartfelt statement condemning the tragedy, offering condolences to the victim’s family, and calling for a society-wide reflection on the dangers facing the youth. Begaj stressed the importance of addressing rising violence in both real life and on social media.
“The loss of a young life is always a tragedy. It’s time for us as a society to seriously consider what we are exposing our children to,” said Begaj.
Just hours later, as if to highlight the growing tensions in the city, another murder shook Tirana. Around 1:40 a.m. on November 19, Klaudio Prendi, a 28-year-old businessman, was shot dead in the heart of the Xhamlliku neighborhood.
Prendi, the son of a former judge, had just left a local café when he was targeted by a group of armed men. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots as Prendi attempted to get into his vehicle. Five bullets pierced his body, and he died shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
“I was walking nearby when it happened,” one local resident recalled. “We all heard the gunshots, but we had no idea who it was until later. It’s terrifying to think that this kind of violence is happening on our doorstep.”
Prendi’s death marks the second assassination in just a few days, following the earlier murder of businessman Eduart Reçi on November 13. The police have launched a full investigation into both killings, with sources suggesting that the two incidents may be linked to organized crime.
While authorities work to piece together the details, locals are left reeling from the stark reality of violent crime hitting closer to home.
“The city feels different now,” another resident commented. “These aren’t isolated incidents anymore. Something needs to change, or it could be anyone next.”
Tirana is no stranger to incidents of violence, but the frequency of these high-profile crimes is beginning to worry both citizens and officials. As tensions rise and questions linger, the city holds its breath, waiting for answers.
