Tragedy Strikes Montenegro as Gunman Kills 12 in Cetinje Shooting

A devastating shooting in the western town of Cetinje, Montenegro, resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including two young children, and left at least four others injured. The incident occurred on Wednesday after a fight broke out in a bar, marking the second such tragedy in the town within three years. Following the news, hundreds gathered to pay their respects during a candlelight vigil held in Cetinje’s main square.

According to Police Commissioner Lazar Scepanovic, the shooting is considered one of the most catastrophic events in Montenegro’s history. The victims comprised seven men, three women, and two children born in 2011 and 2016, with many connected to the shooter, Aco Martinovic, who was reportedly familiar with most of them, including family members and close acquaintances. The act was described as unplanned and sudden, surprising both the community and law enforcement.

Following the rampage, Martinovic fled but was later found by police, who reported he took his own life after being cornered. Residents expressed disbelief and sorrow, with many stating they knew the shooter personally. An eyewitness detailed the chaos, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the tragedy.

The sequence of events unfolded as Martinovic had been present at the bar prior to the shooting. After the altercation, he retrieved a firearm and initiated the attack around 5:30 PM. Reports indicate he moved through several locations, shooting victims at each site, including the bar where he initially shot four individuals, before killing more at different locations and ultimately taking his own life.

In response to the shooting, the Montenegrin government has declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday, canceling all New Year celebrations. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic highlighted the need for potential restrictions on firearm ownership, acknowledging the country’s gun culture. This recent violence follows another tragic event in August 2022, where a shooter killed ten people, underscoring a troubling trend in Cetinje. The shooter had a history of violent behavior and had previously faced legal issues related to weapon possession, raising further concerns about gun control in the nation.