Gunman Who Killed 10 in Montenegro Shooting Dies By Suicide
Montenegro witnessed a devastating tragedy as a gunman, identified as 45-year-old Aleksandar Martinovic, killed ten people in a brutal shooting rampage in the small town of Cetinje. The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, leaving the nation in shock and mourning. After being cornered by the police near his residence, Martinovic attempted suicide. Although he initially survived his injuries, he succumbed while being transported to the hospital, according to Montenegro’s Interior Minister, Danilo Saranovic.
Details of the Shooting
The violence began at a restaurant in Cetinje, a town located 38 kilometers west of the capital Podgorica. Martinovic opened fire, killing four individuals at the eatery before proceeding to three additional locations. His deadly spree claimed six more lives, including those of two children, and left four others critically injured.
Police reports indicated that Martinovic had a history of illegal weapons possession. Officials also noted that he was believed to have been heavily intoxicated at the time of the attack. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic revealed that a brawl might have preceded the shooting.
National Mourning
The rampage has deeply shaken Montenegro, a country of 605,000 people. Prime Minister Spajic described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and declared three days of national mourning. President Jakov Milatovic expressed his horror at the attack, emphasizing the need for reflection and action.
While mass shootings are rare in Montenegro, the country has faced similar incidents in the past. In 2022, an attack in the same town of Cetinje resulted in 11 fatalities, including two children and the gunman. These incidents highlight the ongoing concerns surrounding gun violence in the region.
Gun Culture
Despite strict gun laws, Montenegro and the broader Western Balkans region remain heavily armed. The area is saturated with weapons, many of which are remnants of the conflicts in the 1990s and even earlier wars.
This deeply rooted gun culture has prompted discussions about stricter firearm regulations. Prime Minister Spajic has announced that authorities are considering tightening the criteria for gun ownership, including exploring a potential complete ban on private weapons.
A Nation Grappling with Tragedy
Wednesday’s events have left an indelible mark on Montenegro. As the nation observes three days of mourning, questions about the causes and prevention of such incidents loom large. While authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the rampage, calls for reform and greater societal vigilance continue to grow.
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