Montenegro Tragedy: Gunman Kills 12, Including Children, in Cetinje Rampage
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A wave of shock and grief swept through Montenegro following a devastating shooting spree in the town of Cetinje on Wednesday.A 45-year-old gunman, identified as Aco Martinović, murdered 12 people, including two children, before taking his own life. At least four others sustained injuries in the horrific incident, which officials say stemmed from a bar fight.
The attack unfolded after a bar brawl, according to authorities. Martinović, after initially fleeing the scene, returned with a firearm and opened fire around 5:30 p.m. Among the victims were the bar owner, the owner’s children, and several of Martinović’s own family members. Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović confirmed that the shooter died from “the severity of his injuries” after shooting himself while being transported to a hospital in Podgorica, the capital.
The small town of Cetinje, with a population of approximately 17,000, is reeling from the tragedy. “I knew all of these people personally, also the attacker,” said Vesko Milošević, a Cetinje retiree. “I think when he did that, he was out of his mind. What do I know, he went from place to place and killed people.It’s a catastrophe.”
The emotional toll on the community is immense. Vanja Popović, a relative of some of the victims, expressed the widespread shock and despair: ”How can I feel after this? No one expected it. You can’t even ask anyone anything.”
Following the shooting, police swiftly responded, deploying a special unit to apprehend the attacker. Roads leading in and out of Cetinje, located about 18 miles northwest of Podgorica, were blocked for several hours as officers secured the area. The incident marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje within the past three years,raising concerns about gun violence in the region.
This tragedy underscores the devastating impact of gun violence, a concern shared globally. While the specifics of this case remain under investigation, the event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for addressing the root causes of such violence and implementing effective preventative measures.
The investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the massacre and determine the full extent of the attacker’s actions.
Montenegro Reels After Deadly Shooting Spree
Montenegro is in mourning following a horrific shooting rampage that left 11 people dead.The attacker, whose identity has not yet been officially released by authorities, embarked on a spree across multiple locations before ultimately taking his own life, according to state prosecutor Rijana Nastić.
Nastić revealed that the shooter targeted six different locations. “four men were killed at a bar,” she stated. The carnage continued, with four more victims at a second location, followed by the tragic deaths of two children at a third site. The attacker then claimed two more lives at two additional locations before fatally shooting himself.
“Further investigation will determine the exact circumstances of the events,” Nastić added, highlighting the ongoing probe into the motives and details of the attack.
in response to the tragedy, the Montenegrin government declared three days of national mourning, beginning Thursday. All planned New Year’s celebrations have been canceled across the country.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić hinted at potential sweeping changes to gun laws, stating, “as we must ask ourselves after this who should be allowed to have guns in Montenegro.” This statement reflects a growing national conversation about gun control in a country with a long-standing tradition of private gun ownership.
Montenegro, a small Adriatic nation with a population of approximately 620,000, has a notable gun culture. Many citizens traditionally own firearms, a factor now under intense scrutiny in the wake of this devastating event.
This is not the first time Montenegro has grappled with mass violence. In August 2022, a similar tragedy unfolded in Cetinje, the country’s historic capital, where an attacker killed 10 people, including two children, before being fatally shot by a bystander.
Police reports indicate that the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting had a prior criminal record, including a suspended sentence from 2005 for violent behavior and a recent conviction for illegal weapons possession that he was appealing.Montenegrin media outlets have described him as having a history of erratic and violent behavior.
President Jakov Milatović expressed the nation’s grief in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Instead of holiday joy …we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives.”
Jovana Gec and Dušan Stojanović contributed to this report from belgrade, Serbia.
Gun violence Shatters Cetinje: An Interview with Balkans Security Expert Dr. Jelena Petrović
Following a horrific mass shooting that left 12 dead in the Montenegrin town of Cetinje, world-today-news.com Senior Editor, Sarah Jones, spoke with prominent Balkans security expert, Dr. Jelena Petrović, to gain insight into the incident and explore its implications for montenegro and the broader region.
The Immediate Aftermath
Sarah Jones: Dr. Petrović, this tragedy has deeply shocked Montenegro and the international community. Can you shed some light on the immediate aftermath of the shooting and the response from authorities?
Dr. Jelena Petrović: The situation is indeed devastating.Law enforcement responded swiftly, deploying a special unit to apprehend the attacker, who ultimately took his own life. The town of Cetinje is understandably in a state of shock and mourning. The government has declared three days of national mourning, cancelling all New Year celebrations, which underscores the gravity of the situation.
Identifying the Unraveling
Sarah Jones: What can you tell us about the attacker, Aco Martinović, and what might have motivated this horrific act?
Dr. Jelena Petrović: While the inquiry is ongoing,initial reports indicate that Martinović had a history of violent behavior and a prior conviction for illegal weapons possession. Some media outlets suggest that the shooting stemmed from a bar fight, but we need more details to understand the full context and the attacker’s motivations.
Sarah Jones: This is not the first mass shooting in Cetinje. The town also experienced a similar tragedy in 2022.What does this say about the state of gun violence, notably in the Montenegrin context?
Dr. Jelena Petrović: Unluckily,Montenegro has a significant gun culture,with firearm ownership being relatively widespread. These tragedies highlight the urgent need for a extensive approach to addressing gun violence.This includes stricter gun control measures, investing in mental health resources, and tackling the cultural factors that might contribute to a normalization of violence.
Sarah Jones: What specific steps do you think the Montenegrin government should take in response to this event?
Dr. Jelena Petrović: Beograd’s Prime Minister has already hinted at potential reforms to gun laws, which is a crucial first step. Though, a wider societal conversation is needed. This involves engaging with communities, addressing the root causes of violence, and promoting a culture of conflict resolution and peaceful co-existence.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Reflection
Sarah Jones: Thank you, Dr. Petrović, for sharing your expertise. What’s your main takeaway from this devastating event?
Dr.Jelena Petrović: This tragedy is a stark reminder that gun violence is a complex issue with deep roots. We must move beyond reactive measures and invest in long-term solutions that address the underlying societal factors that contribute to such violence. The people of Cetinje,and indeed Montenegro,deserve a future free from fear.
