In a heartbreaking event on Wednesday, Montenegro witnessed a mass shooting in the city of Cetinje that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including two young children, following a bar altercation. The tragedy has compelled the government to declare three days of mourning, underscoring the nation’s grief and shock.
The city's interior minister, Danilo Saranovic, confirmed that the gunman, Aco Martinovic, 45, was later found dead, reportedly from self-inflicted wounds. Mr. Saranovic expressed his sorrow at a news conference, sharing the devastating personal impacts of the attack, which included the loss of the bar owner and his children.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic noted that several others sustained severe injuries during the violent outburst, encouraging conversations around new firearm regulations. "This is a terrible tragedy that has affected us all," he commented, emphasizing the need for community healing. To show solidarity and respect for the deceased, cities were urged to cancel festive events. President Jakov Milatovic lamented, "Instead of holiday joy, we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives."
This incident marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in a mere three years; a similar tragedy occurred in 2022 when another gunman killed ten people. Montenegro has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, ranking closely with Serbia, leading many to call for urgent legislative reforms in the wake of this latest violence.
