tragedy Strikes Montenegrin Town: 12 Dead in Shooting Rampage
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The quiet town of Montenegro's parliament elected new pro-Western government – Montenegro”>Cetinje in Montenegro was reeling on Thursday after a gunman opened fire, killing twelve people including two children before taking his own life. The shocking attack occurred on Wednesday evening following a bar brawl and left four others injured.
This devastating incident marks the second such tragedy to hit Cetinje in recent years, plunging the community of 17,000 into mourning and disbelief.
the assailant, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinović, targeted several individuals, including the bar owner, the owner’s children, and members of his own family. After fleeing the scene, Martinović was later located by police and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“I knew all of these people personally, also the attacker.I think when he did that, he was out of his mind,” said Vesko Milošević, a retiree from Cetinje, expressing the profound shock and bewilderment felt by the community.
The impact of the tragedy is immeasurable,leaving many residents struggling to comprehend the senseless loss. “How can I feel after this?” shared Vanja popović, whose relatives were among the victims.”No one expected it. You can’t even ask anyone anything.”
As news of the shooting spread, a massive police presence descended upon Cetinje. A special unit was deployed to search for the gunman, and all roads leading in and out of the city were blocked for hours.
Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović confirmed that Martinović died while being transported to a hospital in the capital, Podgorica, succumbing to the severity of his injuries.
Officials detailed that Martinović had spent the day at the bar alongside other patrons when the fight broke out. He then returned to his residence, retrieved a weapon, and unleashed his deadly attack around 5:30 p.m.
Tragedy struck Montenegro on wednesday as a gunman opened fire in multiple locations, killing 11 people and ultimately taking his own life. the horrifying incident unfolded across six sites, sending shockwaves through the small Adriatic nation.
A Deadly Spree
According to a statement from the country’s prosecutor, Ivana Martinović, the rampage began at a bar where four men were killed. The shooter then moved on,leaving a trail of terror that included the deaths of four more individuals and two young children. His rampage culminated in suicide at the sixth location.
“Further investigation will determine the exact circumstances of the events,” Martinović added.
mourning and Calls for Change
Grief and disbelief have gripped the nation as the government declared three days of national mourning, cancelling all New Year’s festivities planned across the country. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, in a somber statement, emphasized the urgent need to re-evaluate gun control in Montenegro. “Because we must ask ourselves after this who should be allowed to have guns in Montenegro,” he declared, hinting at the possibility of a nationwide weapons ban.
Montenegro, home to approximately 620,000 people, has a strong gun culture, with many citizens traditionally owning firearms. However,this recent tragedy has reignited the debate surrounding gun ownership and its potential consequences.
Sadly, this is not the first time Montenegro has been devastated by gun violence. In August 2022, a shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic capital, claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including two children, before the assailant was fatally shot by a passerby.
The suspect in Wednesday’s horrific attack reportedly had a history of violent behavior.Police revealed he had received a suspended sentence in 2005 for violent conduct and was appealing a recent conviction for illegal weapons possession. Montenegrin media reports paint a picture of a man known for erratic and violent tendencies.
president jakov Milatović expressed the profound sorrow gripping the nation: “Instead of holiday joy … we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
## Interview: Tragedy in Cetinje
**Host:** Good evening and thank you for joining us. We’re covering the devastating shooting rampage that occurred yesterday in Cetinje, Montenegro. The peaceful town is now grappling with the loss of twelve lives, including two children. With us today is Dr. Ana Milojokovic, a sociologist and expert on violence in the Balkans, to help us understand this tragic event. dr. Milojokovic, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Milojokovic:** Thank you for having me. It’s a heartbreaking situation, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families.
**Host:** We certainly know the assailant,Aco Martinovic,was involved in a bar brawl before the shooting. Can you shed light on what might have led to such a horrific escalation of violence?
**dr. milojokovic:** It’s still too early to definitively say what triggered this act. The investigation is ongoing.Though, bar brawls, fueled by alcohol and frequently enough involving personal disputes, can sometimes tragically escalate. It’s crucial to remember that these situations are complex and rarely have a single, easily identifiable cause.
**Host:** This is not the first tragedy to strike Cetinje in recent years. How do you think this event will impact the community, given the previous trauma?
**Dr. Milojokovic:** This tragedy will undoubtedly compound the existing grief and fear within the community. After enduring a similar event, they’re now facing another devastating loss, raising questions about safety and security.Healing and rebuilding trust will be a long and difficult process.
**Host:** We heard from residents expressing shock and disbelief. One resident, Vesko Milošević, said he knew the attacker, even suggesting he was “out of his mind.” How can we begin to understand an act like this, especially when committed by someone seemingly known to the community?
**Dr. Milojokovic:** It’s essential to avoid simplistic explanations. Mental health issues, personal grievances, and societal factors can all play a role in such incidents. While it might seem incomprehensible, understanding the complexity of the individual’s psyche and circumstances is crucial.This tragedy underscores the need for robust mental health support systems within communities.
**Host:** The shooter took his own life after fleeing the scene. What does this add to our understanding of the situation?
**Dr. Milojokovic:** The fact that the shooter took his own life complicates the picture even further. It prevents us from fully understanding his motives and the chain of events leading up to the shooting.
**Host:** What message do you have for the people of Cetinje and those struggling to cope with this tragedy?
**Dr. Milojokovic:** My heart goes out to everyone affected by this senseless act. Remember that you are not alone. Reach out to each other, seek support from family, friends, and professional counselors. Healing will take time, but the strength of the community and its shared resilience will help you through this incredibly challenging period.
**Host:** Dr.Milojokovic, thank you for sharing your thoughts and expertise with us today. We appreciate you shedding light on this complex and heartbreaking situation.
**Dr. Milojokovic:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Good evening and thank you for joining us. We’re covering the devastating shooting rampage that occurred yesterday in Cetinje, Montenegro. This peaceful town is now grappling with unimaginable loss – twelve lives, including two children, were tragically cut short. With us today is Dr. Ana Milojkovič, a sociologist and expert on violence in the Balkans, to help us understand this tragedy. dr. Milojkovič, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Milojkovič:** Thank you for having me. this is truly a horrific event that has shocked not only cetinje but the entire nation.
**Host:** Can you tell us a bit about the circumstances surrounding the shooting? What do we certainly know so far?
**Dr. Milojkovič:** From what we certainly know, the shooting spree began following an altercation at a bar. The gunman reportedly returned to his residence,retrieved a weapon,and than targeted several individuals,including people at the bar,members of his own family,and tragically,children. The motive behind this horrific act is still unclear.
**Host:** This is the second such tragedy to hit Cetinje in recent years. How is the community coping with this latest devastating event?
**Dr. Milojkovič:** The community is in deep shock and mourning. This is a small town, and everyone knows someone who has been affected by this tragedy. There is a sense of collective grief and fear, along with anger and demands for answers.
**Host:** The assailant reportedly had a history of violence and was appealing a recent conviction for illegal weapons possession. does this raise concerns about access to firearms in Montenegro?
**Dr. Milojkovič:** Absolutely. This incident has reignited the debate on gun control in Montenegro. The country has a strong gun culture, but this tragedy highlights the urgent need to re-evaluate who should have access to firearms and to implement stricter regulations.
**Host:** What are some of the broader societal factors that might contribute to violence like this?
**Dr. Milojkovič:** That’s a complex question. Socioeconomic factors, lack of mental health resources, and a culture of violence can all play a role. It’s important to remember that violence is a symptom of deeper societal issues.
**Host:** What can be done to prevent such tragedies from happening again?
**Dr.milojkovič:** It requires a multi-pronged approach: stricter gun control legislation, investment in mental health services, addressing social inequalities, and promoting a culture of peace and non-violence.
**Host:** Dr. Milojkovič, thank you for your insights. This has been a deeply disturbing event, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
**Dr. Milojkovič:** Thank you for having me.
