Montenegro mourns after deadly shooting spree leaves 10 dead
Aco Martinović, the alleged perpetrator of the shooting in the town of Cetinje in southern Montenegro, died on the way to the hospital after attempting to commit suicide. As a result of his actions, 10 people were killed and 4 were injured.
On Wednesday afternoon in Cetinje, a tragic shooting allegedly carried out by 45-year-old Aco Martinović took place. According to Danilo Szaranović, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Martinović died en route to the hospital following a suicide attempt.
The incident began at one venue on the outskirts of Cetinje and extended to several other locations. Minister Szaranović stated that the tragedy was preceded by an argument between Martinović and an acquaintance. Montenegrin media reported that Martinović had previously been detained for illegally possessing weapons.
Ultimately, Martinović is suspected of killing 10 people, including two children, and seriously injuring four others. The victims included his friends and family. According to Montenegrin police, the motive for the crime remains unknown. The condition of the injured is currently stable.
Authorities respond
In response to the tragic events, the Montenegrin government declared three national mourning days starting on Thursday. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić suggested the possibility of introducing a total ban on gun ownership in the country. Authorities in Podgorica, Budva, and Kotor cancelled the New Year's concerts planned for Wednesday, and the Prime Minister urged other cities to take similar actions.
Minister Szaranović emphasised that the government would present a plan of urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As a society, we cannot allow individuals to take the lives of others in such a brutal manner, he noted.
