Cetinje, Montenegro – A violent shooting in the western Montenegrin city of Cetinje on Wednesday left at least 10 people dead, including two children, and wounded four others, following an altercation at a local bar. The assailant fled the scene and remains at large, sparking a manhunt involving special police forces.
Authorities have identified the gunman as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic. According to Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic, Martinovic is accused of killing the bar owner, the owner’s children, and members of his own family in a rampage that began at the bar and continued at another location. “Our primary focus at this moment is to apprehend the suspect,” Saranovic stated during a press briefing.
The tragic event has extended shockwaves through the community and prompted a swift response from national leaders. President Jakov Milatovic expressed his deep sorrow over the incident on social media, remarking on the stark contrast between the expected holiday festivities and the grim reality the nation now faces. “Instead of holiday joy, we are gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives,” Milatovic said.
In response to the shooting, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic visited the hospital where the wounded are receiving medical care and declared a three-day period of mourning across the nation. Emphasizing the impact of the tragedy, Spajic said, “This terrible tragedy has affected us all. All police resources are currently engaged in the operation.”
Montenegro, a country of about 620,000 residents nestled in Southeast Europe, is known for its prevalent gun culture, with many households owning firearms traditionally. The attack marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in less than three years, rekindling painful memories of a similar rampage in August 2022 when 10 people were killed.
Radio and Television of Montenegro reported that Martinovic was previously known for his erratic behavior and had encounters with law enforcement over illegal weapons possession. The broadcaster detailed that Martinovic had initially left the scene to retrieve a firearm from his home before returning to the bar to carry out the shooting. He subsequently went to another location where he continued his deadly assault.
Local authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and indoors as they continue their search for Martinovic. They have also emphasized that there is no indication of gang involvement in this tragic incident.
This latest outbreak of violence has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the region and sparked calls for more stringent regulation of firearms. As the community reels from the impact, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and bringing the perpetrator to justice.