A mass shooting in the small town of Cetinje, Montenegro, on January 1, 2025, has left the nation in shock after a gunman opened fire, killing 12 people, including two children. The shooter, identified as Aco Martinović, later took his own life as police closed in on him.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Date: January 1, 2025
- Location: Cetinje, Montenegro
- Casualties: 12 dead, including two children
- Shooter: Aco Martinović, 45, died by suicide
- Government Response: National mourning declared, new gun control measures proposed
Overview Of The Shooting
The shooting spree began around 5:30 PM local time at a restaurant in Cetinje, where Martinović, reportedly intoxicated, engaged in a brawl before retrieving a firearm from his home. He then returned to the restaurant and opened fire, continuing his rampage across multiple locations in the town.
Victims included the restaurant owner, his two children aged 10 and 13, and several family members of the shooter. Four additional individuals were seriously injured and remain hospitalized.
Government Reaction
In the wake of this tragedy, Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced a three-day national mourning period. He described the event as a dark day for the country, stating, "This senseless act has caused immeasurable sadness and bitterness in each of us. There are no words of comfort."
The National Security Council convened to discuss urgent measures to address gun violence, including:
- New Gun Control Laws: Stricter regulations on firearm possession and ownership.
- Psychological Evaluations: Mandatory checks for registered gun owners.
- Amnesty Period: A two-month window for citizens to surrender illegal firearms without penalty.
Public Outcry
The shooting has sparked widespread outrage among the Montenegrin public, with protests erupting in the capital, Podgorica. Demonstrators have called for the resignation of top security officials, accusing them of failing to prevent such tragedies. Protesters chanted slogans like "Your hands are bloody" and demanded accountability from the government.
Historical Context
This incident marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in less than three years, raising concerns about the rising violence in Montenegrin society. In August 2022, another shooting claimed 10 lives, including two children, highlighting a troubling trend in the region.
Montenegro has a significant gun culture, with estimates suggesting a high per capita ownership of firearms. The government has faced pressure from the European Union to tackle issues of organized crime and corruption, which are seen as contributing factors to the violence.
Conclusion
As Montenegro grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event, the government is under increasing scrutiny to implement effective measures to prevent future tragedies. The nation mourns the loss of innocent lives while demanding justice and accountability from its leaders.
Sources
- Montenegro to tackle gun control after mass killing left 12 dead, AP News.
- Mass shooting leaves ten dead including children, BBC.
- Gunman who killed at least 12 people in Montenegro dies by suicide – NBC Bay Area, NBC Bay Area.
- Thousands In Montenegro Protest Response To Mass Shooting, Demand Resignations, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- At least 12 killed in mass shooting in Montenegro, suspect kills himself | Gun Violence News, Al Jazeera.
