Deadly Shooting in Cetinje: Could This Shift Montenegro’s Gun Policy?

A mass shooting in Montenegro’s historic town of Cetinje claims 10 lives, including two children, as the suspect takes his own life.

At a Glance

At least 10 people killed in Cetinje, Montenegro, including two children
Suspect identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic, died from self-inflicted wounds
Shooting began at a restaurant and continued at three locations
Incident follows a bar brawl, with heavy drinking suspected
Montenegro’s national security council considering complete ban on weapon possession

Tragedy Unfolds in Cetinje

The small Montenegrin town of Cetinje became the scene of a horrific mass shooting that left at least 10 people dead, including two children. The incident, which began at a local restaurant and spread to three other locations, has shocked the nation and reignited debates about gun control in a country with a strong tradition of weapon ownership.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic, reportedly initiated the attack following a bar brawl. Witnesses suggest that heavy drinking may have played a role in the tragedy. Among the victims were two minors and their father, who owned the restaurant where the shooting began.

Suspect’s Final Moments

As law enforcement closed in on Martinovic near his home, the situation took a grim turn. Lazar Scepanovic, a local official, described the suspect’s final moments, “ordered to lay down his weapon, he shot himself in the head”

This tragic end to the manhunt left authorities and citizens alike grappling with the senseless loss of life. The suspect’s history of illegal weapons possession and a suspended sentence for violent behavior in 2005 raises questions about the effectiveness of current gun control measures in Montenegro.

National Mourning and Government Response

The Montenegrin government has declared three days of national mourning to honor the victims of this devastating attack. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed the nation’s collective grief, stating that the tragedy has “shrouded our country in black.” He further emphasized the depth of the nation’s sorrow: “This senseless act has caused immeasurable sadness and bitterness in each of us. There are no words of comfort”

In response to this tragedy, Montenegro’s national security council is considering drastic measures, including a complete ban on weapon possession. This potential policy shift reflects the government’s determination to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Gun Culture and Future Challenges

Montenegro has long maintained a strong gun culture, with many citizens traditionally owning weapons. However, this latest incident, coming just three years after a similar mass shooting in Cetinje, has intensified calls for stricter gun control measures.

As their country mourns and reflects on this tragedy, it also faces broader challenges. Montenegro continues to grapple with issues of organized crime and corruption, areas it must address as it works towards potential European Union membership. The government’s response to this shooting and its ability to implement effective gun control measures will likely be closely watched both domestically and internationally.

In the wake of this horrific event, Montenegro finds itself at a crossroads, balancing traditional gun ownership rights with the urgent need for public safety. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the country’s path forward and its ability to prevent such tragedies in the future.