Tragedy in Montenegro: Shooter kills 10, prompts firearm debate
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 injured 4 others.
On Wednesday afternoon in the town of Cetinje in southern Montenegro, a tragic shooting occurred, allegedly perpetrated by 45-year-old Aco Martinović. Interior Minister Danilo Saranović reported that Martinović died en route to the hospital after an earlier suicide attempt.
The shooting began at a venue on the outskirts of Cetinje and continued at several other locations. According to Minister Saranović, the tragedy was preceded by an argument between Martinović and an acquaintance. Montenegrin media report 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 his friends and family members. According to Montenegrin police, the motive for the crime remains unknown. The condition of the injured is currently stable.
Authorities respond
In response to the dramatic 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 in Podgorica, Budva, and Kotor cancelled the New Year's concerts planned for Wednesday, and the prime minister appealed to other cities to take similar actions. The time in Eastern Time is Wednesday.
Minister Saranović emphasized that the government would present a plan of urgent measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He stated, “As a society, we cannot allow individuals to take the lives of others in such a brutal manner.”
