Şevval Tufan
A heartbreaking shooting incident in southern Montenegro has resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, including two children, following a sequence of violent events in the village of Bajice near Cetinje on New Year’s Day.
Authorities have named the shooter as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic, who was reportedly heavily intoxicated throughout the day. The violence erupted after a dispute occurred between Martinovic and another person at a local restaurant around 5:30 PM (4:30 PM GMT). Following this confrontation, Martinovic returned home to get a firearm, then went back to the restaurant and started shooting, killing several patrons.
Emergency services were dispatched to the Cetinje region following reports of a man firing shots at multiple sites. (AFP)
The shooting spree persisted as Martinovic proceeded to five more locations, targeting both his immediate and extended family members. Among those killed were the owner of the restaurant and his children, aged 10 and 13.
After an extensive manhunt, police confronted Martinovic during a tense standoff. Authorities indicated that he inflicted fatal injuries on himself when asked to surrender and died while being transported to the hospital.
The Montenegrin government has announced three days of national mourning. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed his sorrow, stating, “This senseless act has brought immeasurable sadness and bitterness to each of us. There are no comforting words.” Spajic also shared that the country’s security council would meet promptly to discuss protective measures for citizens, which may include a possible ban on civilian firearm ownership.
Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic linked the tragedy to “disturbed interpersonal relationships.” Four people who sustained serious injuries in the assault are receiving treatment in the hospital; three of them are in life-threatening conditions, and one is critical.
Mass shootings are rare in Montenegro. The last similar incident in the country occurred in 2022 when a domestic dispute escalated into a violent attack in the Cetinje region.
Image Source: BBC News
