Tragedy Strikes Montenegro: Gunman Opens Fire in Cetinje Bar, Leaving Multiple Casualties
In a shocking incident on Wednesday, an armed man in Cetinje, a city in western Montenegro, opened fire in a bar, resulting in at least four deaths and injuring several others. The shooter, identified only by his initials AM, is a 45-year-old man who fled the scene armed, prompting a swift response from local police and special forces to hunt him down.
Reports vary, with police confirming four fatalities while local media, including state television RTCG, suggest the death toll may be as high as seven. The violence reportedly erupted out of a bar brawl, escalating quickly into a deadly shooting spree that has shaken the tight-knit community.
Montenegro's Prime Minister, Milojko Spajić, visited the wounded in a nearby hospital and declared three days of mourning for the victims. 'This is a terrible tragedy that has affected us all,' he stated, expressing solidarity with the families of those impacted.
Montenegro, a nation of approximately 620,000, is often characterized by its gun culture, with many citizens traditionally owning firearms. The tragic incident marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in just three years—an alarming statistic that drives home the urgent need for discussions on gun violence and community safety in the region.
The gunman has been identified in media reports as Aco Martinovic. He was reportedly known for erratic behavior and had previous encounters with the law pertaining to illegal weapon possession. Witness accounts indicate that Martinovic retrieved a firearm from his home after the initial confrontation at the bar, subsequently returning to unleash further violence.
Notably, after the bar incident, he moved to another location where he is alleged to have killed the children of the bar's owners and a woman. The local police have urged residents to remain calm and stay indoors, assuring the public that there is no ongoing threat of gang violence.
This tragic event has raised significant concerns about public safety and gun control in Montenegro, a country that has seen its share of violence in recent years. Residents are left in shock, grappling with the aftermath of such senseless acts and the implications for their community's sense of security.
As the nation mourns, it raises critical questions about the preventive measures that can be taken to avoid future tragedies of this nature. In light of the escalating violence, calls for stricter regulations on firearm ownership and improved mental health resources are more pressing than ever.
The government has a responsibility to act decisively to restore public trust and safety, ensuring that the citizens of Montenegro can feel secure in their daily lives. In solidarity with the victims, the country stands united in its grief and determination to seek justice for this horrific act.
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