CETINJE, Montenegro (AP) — A 45-year-old man killed 12 people, including two children, in a shooting rampage across multiple locations in the small Montenegrin town of Cetinje before dying from self-inflicted wounds early Thursday, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, began his deadly spree Wednesday afternoon following a brawl at a local restaurant. Police said Martinovic, who had been drinking heavily, returned home to retrieve a weapon after the altercation and opened fire at the establishment, killing four people.
The gunman then moved to three other locations, claiming eight more victims, including two children. National Police Director Lazar Scepanovic confirmed all victims were closely connected to Martinovic, describing them as “his godfathers, friends,” though the motive remains unclear.
Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic told state broadcaster RTCG that Martinovic attempted suicide when cornered by police near his residence. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital early Thursday.
The massacre left four others with life-threatening injuries, with one remaining in critical condition at Podgorica’s Clinical Centre, according to facility director Aleksandar Radovic.
This marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje within three years, following an August 2022 incident where a gunman killed 10 people before being fatally shot by police.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic declared three days of national mourning and scheduled a National Security Council session for Friday to discuss stricter weapon control measures. The proposed legislation would tighten criteria for firearm ownership and increase police recruitment.
However, implementing stricter gun controls may face resistance in Montenegro, where gun ownership is deeply embedded in local culture. The Western Balkans region continues to grapple with widespread weapon availability, much of it leftover from 1990s conflicts.
The shooting paralyzed daily life in Cetinje, with public venues closed and streets largely deserted. Local resident Slavica Vusurovic, 43, described the atmosphere of fear that gripped the community: “It was dreadful. Such uncertainty, such fear among all the families in Cetinje. One did not dare to look through the window.”
