A shocking mass shooting in the Cetinje area of Montenegro has left the nation reeling after a gunman, identified as 45-year-old Aleksandar Martinović, opened fire, killing 12 people, including two children aged 10 and 13. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday evening, largely within a restaurant where a dispute between patrons initiated the violence.
The police reports indicate that the horrifying event, described by Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic as stemming from "disturbed interpersonal relations," began around 5:30 PM local time. The assailant targeted his own family members and the two children of the restaurant's owner, along with other victims in surrounding areas.
Admitting to having been drinking heavily before the shooting, Martinović fled the scene but later ended his own life when confronted by law enforcement, dying en route to the hospital. The violence left several others injured, with four individuals receiving serious medical care.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced three days of national mourning starting Thursday. He expressed profound sorrow, stating, "This senseless act has caused immeasurable sadness and bitterness in each of us," as citizens grapple with the shocking loss.
Officials are also considering stringent measures for public safety, including a potential ban on firearms. Mass shootings in Montenegro are rare, with the nation previously experiencing a similar incident in 2022, highlighting underlying societal issues that officials are now prompted to address.
