A tragic mass shooting in Montenegro on New Year’s Day has left the nation in mourning after a gunman killed 12 people, including children, in a horrific act of violence. The incident unfolded in the town of Cetinje, where the shooter, reportedly fueled by alcohol, opened fire on acquaintances and family members following a dispute at a local restaurant.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Overview: A gunman killed 12 people, including two children, in Cetinje, Montenegro.
- Victims: The victims included friends, relatives, and acquaintances of the shooter.
- Injuries: Four individuals are in critical condition following the attack.
- Government Response: Calls for stricter gun control laws are being made in the wake of the tragedy.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred after an altercation at a restaurant escalated. The gunman, who had been drinking throughout the day, left the scene to retrieve a weapon before returning to the restaurant. Within approximately 30 minutes, he had killed 12 people, including his sister and two children aged 8 and 13.
The victims comprised seven men, three women, and two children, all of whom were known to the shooter. The police initially responded to the wrong location due to misinformation but quickly arrived at the scene to contain the situation.
Community Reaction
The community of Cetinje has been left in shock. Residents gathered in silence to light candles in memory of the victims, expressing their grief and disbelief over the senseless violence. Pensioner Danilo Zecevic remarked, "To kill children … is completely senseless. That is not a crime, it is something more than that."
Government and Police Response
Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Milojko Spajic, described the shootings as a "terrible tragedy" and announced plans to review the countryโs gun ownership laws. The National Security Council is set to meet to address the challenges of illegal weapons and the need for increased police presence.
The shooter had a history of illegal weapon possession, with authorities having seized firearms from him in 2022. Despite a three-month jail sentence, he appealed the verdict, highlighting the ongoing issues with gun control in the country.
Gun Control in Montenegro
Montenegro has approximately 245,000 firearms in circulation among its population of just over 620,000. While mass shootings are rare, the country has experienced significant violence in the past, including a similar incident in 2022 where a man killed 10 residents in Cetinje.
The government is under pressure to address organized crime and corruption, which remain significant challenges as Montenegro seeks to join the European Union. The recent tragedy has reignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations on firearms to prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The mass shooting in Montenegro has not only claimed lives but has also shaken the very fabric of the community. As the nation mourns, the focus shifts to ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again, with calls for comprehensive reforms in gun control and public safety measures.
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