Bar Brawl Turns Deadly: Montenegro Shooting Rampage Kills 10 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A shooting rampage in Cetinje, Montenegro, left 10 people dead, including two children, and four others seriously injured. The suspect, 45-year-old Aco Martinovic, targeted the bar owner, the owner’s children, his own family, and others across multiple locations following a bar brawl. Police are conducting an extensive manhunt, and Montenegro’s president and prime minister have expressed grief over the tragedy, declaring three days of mourning.
Montenegro Bar Brawl Turns Deadly: Quick Looks
- Incident Details: The shooting began at a bar in Cetinje and spread to three additional locations.
- Casualties: 10 dead, including two children, and four others seriously wounded.
- Suspect: Aco Martinovic, 45, known for violent behavior, is on the run.
- Police Response: Roads blocked, special troops deployed, and city residents warned to stay indoors.
- Official Reactions: President Milatovic and Prime Minister Spajic declared three days of mourning.
Deep Look
A bar brawl in the historic city of Cetinje, Montenegro, escalated into a deadly shooting rampage on Wednesday, leaving 10 people dead, including two children, and four others critically injured. The alleged shooter, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic, remains at large as police continue an intensive manhunt. The tragedy has plunged the Balkan nation into mourning and reignited debates about Montenegro’s gun culture and public safety measures.
How the Rampage Unfolded
The violence began around 5:30 p.m. in a bar in Cetinje, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica. Witnesses reported that Martinovic had been at the bar earlier in the day when an argument erupted between him and other patrons.
According to Police Commissioner Lazar Scepanovic, Martinovic left the bar after the fight, returned armed with a weapon, and opened fire, killing four people, including the bar owner and the owner’s two children.
The carnage didn’t end there. Martinovic allegedly moved to three additional locations, targeting more victims, including members of his own family.
“He killed four people at the bar, then continued his attack in other parts of the city,” Scepanovic said. “He tried to take the lives of four more people before fleeing in a vehicle, which we have recovered.”
Victims and Casualties
The death toll stands at 10, including two children, with four others critically injured and receiving treatment at local hospitals. The victims include the bar owner, his children, Martinovic’s own family members, and others caught in the shooter’s path.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic visited the hospital and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, calling the attack a “terrible tragedy that has affected us all.”
The Manhunt
Montenegrin police have deployed special troops to Cetinje, blocking all roads in and out of the city to prevent the suspect’s escape. Authorities have described Martinovic as “extremely dangerous” and urged residents to remain indoors.
Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic emphasized the urgency of capturing the suspect:
“The level of rage and brutality shows that sometimes such people are even more dangerous than members of organized criminal gangs.”
A History of Violence
Martinovic has a known history of violent behavior. In 2005, he received a suspended sentence for assault and was recently appealing a conviction for illegal possession of firearms. Local media have described him as unpredictable and prone to aggression, raising questions about whether red flags in his past were overlooked.
Montenegro’s Gun Culture
Montenegro, a small nation of about 620,000 people, has a long-standing tradition of gun ownership. Firearms are often passed down through generations and are deeply rooted in the country’s cultural fabric.
However, this widespread access to weapons has contributed to occasional outbreaks of violence. The latest tragedy in Cetinje is the second mass shooting in the city in just three years.
In August 2022, another gunman killed 10 people, including two children, before being shot and killed by a passerby. Both incidents have underscored the potential dangers posed by the nation’s lenient firearm regulations and its cultural acceptance of guns.
Community and Government Reactions
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Cetinje and the broader Montenegrin community.
- President Jakov Milatovic: Expressed his grief on social media, writing, “Instead of holiday joy … we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives.”
- Prime Minister Milojko Spajic: Declared three days of national mourning and pledged to prioritize public safety reforms. “All police teams are actively searching for the suspect,” he stated.
Local leaders and residents are calling for a review of Montenegro’s gun laws and better enforcement of existing regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
Gun Violence in the Balkans
The Balkans region, including Montenegro, has faced longstanding issues with gun violence, partly due to the prevalence of firearms left over from the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. Montenegro has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in Europe, with an estimated 39 firearms per 100 people.
Despite strict licensing laws, illegal possession of firearms remains a significant problem. Efforts to curb gun violence have often been met with resistance due to the deep cultural ties to firearm ownership.
The Path Forward
In the wake of this tragedy, Montenegro’s government faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of gun violence. Possible measures include:
- Stricter Gun Control Laws: Reviewing licensing processes and increasing penalties for illegal possession.
- Mental Health Screening: Implementing mandatory psychological evaluations for gun owners.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the dangers of firearms and promoting safe storage practices.
- Law Enforcement Training: Providing police with additional resources to prevent and respond to incidents of gun violence.
Lessons from the Past
The latest attack has drawn comparisons to the 2022 Cetinje shooting, where another gunman claimed 10 lives before being stopped by a civilian. These incidents highlight systemic gaps in addressing the dangers posed by individuals with histories of violence and access to firearms.
Conclusion
The mass shooting in Cetinje is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of unchecked gun violence. As Montenegro mourns the loss of 10 innocent lives, the focus shifts to capturing the suspect and preventing future tragedies.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stronger gun control measures and a cultural shift toward prioritizing public safety over tradition. For a nation reeling from repeated tragedies, meaningful reforms could provide a path toward healing and a safer future.
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