Tragic Shooting Spree Claims Numerous Lives in Montenegro

According to reports, a catastrophic shooting event has left at least ten people dead, including two children, after an altercation in a bar escalated to violence in a city in western Montenegro.

During a press briefing, officials revealed that the alleged perpetrator has been identified as Aco Martinovic, 45 years of age, who is believed to have fatally shot the bar owner, the owner's children, and members of his own family.

Law enforcement, including specialized units, in Cetinje, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Podgorica, have blocked all entry and exit routes while pursuing Martinovic, who is considered highly dangerous.

Minister of the Interior, Danilo Saranovic, emphasized the need for residents to remain at home as authorities described the assailant’s behavior as exceptionally violent, surpassing the threat of organized crime members.

The incident reportedly began when Martinovic, who had spent the day at the bar, returned with a firearm after an initial skirmish. Police Commissioner Lazar Scepanovic noted that Martinovic commenced shooting around 5:30 p.m., resulting in multiple fatalities.

He initially targeted four people inside the bar and subsequently shot at additional locations, as stated by Scepanovic. The suspect, who fled in a now-recovered vehicle, had previous violent offenses and issues pertaining to illegal weapon possession.

Montenegro, a small nation with a population of around 620,000, is characterized by a strong tradition of gun ownership, which has contributed to the recurrence of such violent incidents.

This tragedy marks the second mass shooting incident in Cetinje in recent years, with a similar event occurring in August 2022. The earlier incident also resulted in ten fatalities, including children, until the gunman was neutralized by a civilian.

In reaction to this latest tragedy, President Jakov Milatovic conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss of life, expressing that the nation, instead of celebrating, is engulfed in mourning.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, visiting the hospital tending to the injured, declared a period of mourning lasting three days and assured the public that law enforcement is actively looking for the suspect.

"We've all been profoundly affected by this horrendous event," stated Prime Minister Spajic, reflecting the shared grief of the Montenegrin people.