A shocking act of violence in Cetinje, Montenegro, has left the nation in mourning after a gunman killed 12 people, including two children, before taking his own life. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, also left at least four others injured, marking the second such tragedy in the town in recent years.
The violence reportedly stemmed from a bar brawl, escalating when the identified shooter, 45-year-old Aco Martinović, retrieved a weapon and opened fire. Among the deceased are the bar owner, his children, and members of the shooter's own family, according to authorities. Following the initial attack, Martinović fled the scene, triggering a large-scale police response.
Law enforcement officials eventually located and surrounded Martinović. Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović confirmed that the shooter died after inflicting a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident has left residents of Cetinje, a town of 17,000, reeling with grief and disbelief. One resident, Vesko Milošević, expressed his shock, stating, "I knew all of these people personally, also the attacker. I think when he did that, he was out of his mind."
The sequence of events unfolded across multiple locations. According to Prosecutor Andrijana Nastić, the shooter moved through six separate locations, beginning with the bar where four people were killed, then targeting more victims, including two children. This rampage has deeply shaken the community, leaving many residents in a state of shock.
In response to the tragedy, the Montenegrin government has declared three days of national mourning, canceling all planned New Year's festivities across the country. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has indicated that the government will consider a nationwide ban on weapons, raising critical questions about gun control in the nation. Montenegro, known for its strong gun culture, has a population of roughly 620,000 people. This event marks a stark reminder of a similar incident that occurred in Cetinje in August 2022, where another gunman killed 10 people.
Further details regarding the shooter's past have emerged, revealing a history of violent behavior. Reports indicate that Martinović had received a suspended sentence for violent behavior in 2005, and he was also appealing a recent conviction for illegal weapons possession. President Jakov Milatović expressed the nation's shared sorrow, noting that “Instead of holiday joy ... we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives." Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
