In a tragic event that has shocked Montenegro, a man named Aleksandar Aco Martinovic was responsible for the deaths of 12 individuals during a shooting spree in the small town of Cetinje. The incident began on Wednesday afternoon when Martinovic opened fire following a brawl at a local restaurant, leading to the deaths of four people. The violence escalated as he moved to three additional locations, ultimately claiming the lives of eight more victims, including two children.
Police reports indicate that Martinovic, 45, had been drinking heavily prior to the shootings and had a history of illegal weapons possession. After his violent rampage, he was confronted by law enforcement near his home. In an act of desperation, Martinovic attempted suicide before succumbing to his injuries en route to the hospital.
Montenegro’s Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic described the situation as hopeless for the shooter, confirming that he did not die instantly but later during transport. Within this context, he also emphasized that the incident was not connected to organized crime, despite the severity of the violence.
Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajic referred to the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and announced three days of national mourning to honor the victims. In response to the renewed calls for gun control, Spajic mentioned potential reforms regarding firearm ownership, which may include stricter criteria or an outright ban on weapons. However, this could encounter resistance due to the deeply entrenched gun culture in the country.
Despite having strict gun laws, the Western Balkans region continues to struggle with a surplus of firearms, remnants from the conflicts of the 1990s, as well as older weapons from World War I. This highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing gun violence and ensuring public safety.
While this incident represents a dark chapter in Montenegro’s history, it serves as a pivotal moment for national reflection on the importance of community safety and potential legislative changes regarding firearms. The collective mourning of the nation may pave the way for conversations on how to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of community vigilance and the need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of all citizens.