Montenegro witnessed one of its worst mass killings in recent history when Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, a 45-year-old man, went on a shooting spree in the town of Cetinje, killing 12 people before succumbing to self-inflicted injuries.
The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon and left the nation in mourning, with authorities scrambling to address the aftermath and evaluate stricter gun control measures.
Timeline of Events
Initial Incident at a Restaurant
- Martinovic reportedly began his rampage after a brawl at a restaurant.
- He killed four people there before leaving the location.
Further Attacks
- The attacker then moved to three other locations, killing eight additional victims, including two children.
- Police reports indicate that the victims had close personal connections to Martinovic, including godfathers and friends.
- The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Final Confrontation and Suicide
- Martinovic was cornered near his home by police officers.
- Realizing he was trapped, he attempted suicide and succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Casualties and Injuries
- Among the 12 victims were two children, further heightening the tragedy’s impact.
- Four other individuals sustained life-threatening injuries, with one remaining in critical condition.
Nation Reacts: Fear and Mourning in Cetinje
Local Reactions
The rampage has left residents of Cetinje in shock.
“Such uncertainty, such fear among all the families in Cetinje. One did not dare to look through the window,” said Slavica Vusurovic, a resident.
“When I saw it on TV, I started crying… This is the second such tragedy in Cetinje,” shared Slobo Matic, another local.
Government Response
- Prime Minister Milojko Spajic declared three days of national mourning.
- President Jakov Milatovic expressed his horror over the tragedy.
Investigation and Gun Control Measures
Shooter’s Background
- Police revealed Martinovic had a history of illegal weapons possession and was heavily intoxicated during the incident.
- The weapon used in the attack was retrieved from his home following the altercation at the restaurant.
Government Actions
In response to the tragedy, the government has announced:
- A session of the National Security Council to address illegal weapon possession.
- Proposed stricter criteria for owning and carrying firearms through a revised weapons law.
- Increased recruitment of police officers to improve public safety.
The Challenge of Gun Culture in the Western Balkans
The Western Balkans, including Montenegro, has long been a region where weapons are prevalent due to a history of conflict.
- Despite strict gun laws, many firearms from the wars of the 1990s and even World War One remain in circulation.
- Efforts to impose tighter controls may face resistance due to the deeply ingrained gun culture in the region.
The devastating shooting in Cetinje underscores the urgent need for Montenegro to address its challenges with gun violence and illegal weapons. As the nation mourns, calls for stricter regulations and better enforcement grow louder.
Authorities and citizens alike hope that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change to prevent such incidents in the future.
