Montenegro mourns after mass shooting leaves 10 dead
Aco Martinović, the alleged shooter from the town of Cetinje in southern Montenegro, died on the way to the hospital after attempting suicide earlier. His actions resulted in the deaths of 10 people and injuries to 4 others.
On Wednesday afternoon in the town of Cetinje, a tragic shooting occurred, allegedly carried out by 45-year-old Aco Martinović. According to Interior Minister Danilo Saranović, Martinović died on the way to the hospital after a suicide attempt.
The shooting began in one of the venues on the outskirts of Cetinje and then continued in several other locations. Minister Saranović stated that the tragedy was preceded by an argument between Martinović and an acquaintance. Montenegrin media reported that Martinović had previously been detained for illegal possession of firearms.
Martinović is suspected of killing 10 people, including two children, and seriously injuring four others. The victims were reportedly his friends and family. According to Montenegrin police, the motive for the crime remains unknown. The condition of the injured is currently stable.
Authorities respond
In reaction to the tragic events, the government of Montenegro declared a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić suggested the possibility of introducing a total ban on firearm possession in the country. The authorities of Podgorica, Budva, and Kotor canceled the New Year's concerts planned for Wednesday, and the prime minister urged other cities to take similar actions.
Minister Saranović emphasized that the government would present a plan of urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. "As a society, we cannot allow individuals to take the lives of others in such a brutal manner," he stressed.
