Montenegro is in mourning after a tragic mass shooting in the town of Cetinje left 12 people dead, including two children. The shooter, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinović, took his own life following the rampage, which began at a local bar and spread to multiple locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Incident Overview: Aco Martinović opened fire in Cetinje, killing 12 people, including his own family members.
  • Victims: Among the deceased were two children aged 10 and 13, and several close friends and relatives of the shooter.
  • Government Response: Montenegro has declared three days of national mourning and is considering stricter gun control measures.
  • Public Outcry: Protests erupted demanding the resignation of top security officials, highlighting concerns over public safety and gun violence.

Details of the Shooting

The shooting spree began on January 1, 2025, around 5:30 PM, following a verbal altercation at a bar. Martinović returned home to retrieve a firearm and subsequently opened fire, killing four people at the bar and continuing his attack at several other locations.

  • Locations Affected: The shooter targeted multiple sites, resulting in a total of 12 fatalities and several injuries.
  • Victims: The victims included the bar owner, his children, and several of Martinović’s relatives, emphasizing the personal nature of the tragedy.

Government and Community Reaction

In the wake of the shooting, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed deep sorrow, stating that the incident has “shrouded our country in black.” The government has announced a national mourning period and is considering a complete ban on private gun ownership.

  • National Mourning: Three days of mourning have been declared, with all New Year celebrations canceled.
  • Security Measures: The National Security Council will convene to discuss urgent measures to control illegal weapons and enhance public safety.
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Public Protests

The shooting has sparked significant public outrage, leading to protests in both Cetinje and the capital, Podgorica. Thousands gathered to demand accountability from security officials, chanting for resignations and expressing their grief and anger over the incident.

  • Protest Demands: Protesters are calling for:
    • Resignations of top security officials, including the Interior Minister.
    • Stricter gun control laws and measures to demilitarize the population.
    • Increased police presence and action against illegal firearms.

Historical Context

This incident marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in less than three years, raising alarms about the rising gun violence in Montenegro. In August 2022, another shooter killed ten people, including children, before being shot by a bystander.

  • Gun Culture: Montenegro has a notable gun culture, with many citizens owning firearms, which complicates the issue of gun control.
  • Previous Legal Efforts: Following the 2022 shooting, there were attempts to tighten gun laws, but proposed amendments have yet to be enacted.

Conclusion

The mass shooting in Cetinje has left a profound impact on the Montenegrin community, prompting calls for change and reflection on the state of public safety and gun control in the country. As the nation mourns, the focus shifts to preventing such tragedies in the future and addressing the underlying issues of violence and gun ownership.

Sources

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