Daruvar, Croatia — Tragedy struck a nursing home in Daruvar on Monday when a gunman opened fire, killing six people and injuring six others, as reported by local authorities. The incident has sent shockwaves through the small town located approximately 130 kilometers east of the Croatian capital, Zagreb.
The attack began in the morning, rapidly escalating as emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after reports emerged. Police Chief Nikola Milina confirmed that the assailant was apprehended shortly after the shooting spree in a café close to the nursing facility. The motivation behind the horrific act remains unclear, with investigations ongoing.
The victims included five elderly residents of the home and one staff member. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, addressing the media in Split, condemned the violence and expressed his profound sorrow. “We are utterly shocked by this monstrous act,” Plenkovic said. “It is imperative that we thoroughly investigate this crime and offer our full support to the families of the victims.”
Authorities stated that the suspect, a former military police officer reportedly born in 1973, was a veteran of the 1991-1995 Croatian War of Independence and related to one of the residents of the nursing home. Preliminary reports suggest he might have shot his own mother during the attack, adding a particularly grim detail to the unfolding narrative.
Residents of Daruvar and its surrounding areas are reeling from the violence, with local leaders voicing their disbelief and sorrow. “It’s hard for me to grasp that such a tragedy could happen in our peaceful town,” said Mayor Damir Lnenicek, reflecting a sentiment shared by many community members.
The nursing home, which housed about 20 residents at the time of the incident, has become the sudden focus of national attention as Croatia grapples with the broader implications of such a violent breach in a care facility meant to offer safety and tranquility to its inhabitants.
As the community begins to process this tragedy, further discussions about security measures in similar establishments are anticipated. The nation watches closely as law enforcement delves deeper, seeking answers to prevent future such events.
While the suspect remains under police custody, the broader investigation continues, involving local and regional authorities determined to uncover the events leading up to this devastating day. Mental health professionals and community support groups have also been mobilized to assist those affected.
As Daruvar mourns, the country collectively reflects on the underlying issues that could drive such a brutal incident, hoping to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens and ensure such a tragedy does not repeat.