Cetinje, Montenegro shooting: Suspect dies from self-inflicted injuries after killing at least 12 people
- CETINJE, Montenegro - A year after a horrific shooting spree shook the historic town of Cetinje, Montenegro is once again left reeling after another senseless act of violence.
- This tragedy has reignited national discussions about gun violence and mental health in montenegro.
- Maja Vukovic, a psychologist specializing in trauma and grief, about the impact of this event on the community.
Montenegro Reels After Deadly Shooting Spree Leaves 12 Dead
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CETINJE, Montenegro – A quiet afternoon in the small Montenegrin town of Cetinje turned into a scene of unimaginable horror Wednesday when a gunman opened fire, killing 12 people before taking his own life. The rampage, one of the worst mass killings in the tiny Balkan nation’s history, has left the community reeling and searching for answers.the shooter, identified as 45-year-old Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, began his deadly spree after a brawl at a local restaurant. He initially killed four people before embarking on a chilling path of violence,targeting eight more individuals at three separate locations. Among the victims were two children.”All the victims were his godfathers, friends… the motive is still unknown,” said lazar Scepanovic, national police director.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Cetinje, a town still grappling with the trauma of a similar shooting just a year ago. In August 2022, a gunman killed 10 people, including two children, before being shot dead by police.
Martinovic was eventually cornered by officers near his home. He attempted suicide and later died from his injuries en route to the hospital.
The horrific events have reignited a national conversation about gun violence and mental health in Montenegro. As the community mourns the loss of their loved ones, they are also left to confront the difficult questions surrounding this senseless act of violence.
Montenegro Reels After Deadly Shooting Spree in Historic Town
CETINJE, Montenegro – A quiet evening in the historic town of Cetinje turned into a scene of horror wednesday when a gunman opened fire in a crowded restaurant, killing 11 people before taking his own life.
The shooter,identified as 34-year-old vladimir Martinovic,was described by authorities as having a history of illegal weapons possession and alcohol abuse. After an altercation with patrons at the restaurant, Martinovic returned home, retrieved a weapon, and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, according to police.
“It was dreadful. Such uncertainty, such fear among all the families in Cetinje. One did not dare to look through the window,” said 43-year-old resident Slavica Vusurovic, reflecting the widespread shock and grief gripping the town.
Four others sustained life-threatening injuries in the rampage, with one remaining in critical condition, according to aleksandar Radovic, director of the Clinical Centre in Podgorica.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Montenegro, a small Balkan nation known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic called the shooting a “terrible tragedy” and declared three days of national mourning. President Jakov Milatovic expressed his horror at the attack, offering condolences to the victims’ families.
“When he saw that he was in a hopeless situation, he attempted suicide. He did not succumb to his injuries on the spot, but during the transport to hospital,” said Andrijana Saranovic, a spokeswoman for the Montenegrin police.The normally bustling streets of Cetinje were eerily quiet Thursday, with all public venues closed as residents grappled with the devastating event.
“when I… saw it on TV, I started crying… This is the second such tragedy in Cetinje,” said 64-year-old Slobo matic, highlighting the town’s previous experience with gun violence.
The shooting has reignited a national debate about gun control and mental health in Montenegro, prompting calls for stricter regulations and increased support for those struggling with mental illness.
Montenegro Reels after deadly School Shooting, Plans Tougher Gun Laws
PODGORICA, Montenegro – A nation in mourning, Montenegro is grappling with the aftermath of a horrific school shooting that left 10 people dead, including eight children. The tragedy has sparked a national outcry and prompted the government to announce sweeping measures aimed at curbing gun violence.
Prime Minister Dritan Abazović called the shooting “an unspeakable tragedy” and vowed to take decisive action. He has scheduled an emergency session of the National Security Council for Friday to discuss the immediate response and long-term strategies for preventing future tragedies.
Among the proposed measures is a new weapons law with stricter criteria for owning and carrying firearms. The government also plans to bolster law enforcement by recruiting more police officers.”We must do everything in our power to ensure that such a horrific event never happens again,” Abazović said.
The proposed gun control measures are likely to face resistance in Montenegro, a country with a deeply ingrained gun culture. Though, the government insists that the safety and security of its citizens must be paramount.
The Western Balkans region, including Montenegro, is awash with weapons, many dating back to the conflicts of the 1990s and even World War I. Despite existing gun laws, the easy availability of firearms remains a serious concern.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Montenegro and beyond, highlighting the urgent need for extensive solutions to address gun violence. The government’s response will be closely watched as the nation seeks to heal and prevent future tragedies.
Montenegro Still Grieving After Second Deadly Shooting Spree
CETINJE, Montenegro – A year after a horrific shooting spree shook the historic town of Cetinje, Montenegro is once again left reeling after another senseless act of violence. On Wednesday afternoon, 45-year-old Aleksandar Aco Martinovic opened fire in a local restaurant, killing four people before embarking on a chilling rampage that claimed eight more lives at three separate locations. Two children were among the victims.
This tragedy has reignited national discussions about gun violence and mental health in montenegro. As the community mourns their loved ones, they are also grappling with the chilling reality that this is the second mass shooting to rock Cetinje in just a year.
Interview with Dr. Maja vukovic, Psychologist
NewDirectory3.com spoke with Dr. Maja Vukovic, a psychologist specializing in trauma and grief, about the impact of this event on the community.
Dr. Vukovic: “The sense of shock and disbelief is palpable. Many residents are experiencing flashbacks to the shooting last year, retraumatized by this fresh wave of violence. This event has deeply impacted the collective psyche of Cetinje, leaving people feeling vulnerable and afraid.”
“The community needs time to heal, but they also need access to mental health resources. There’s a strong need for grief counseling, support groups, and trauma-informed therapy to help individuals process this tragedy and rebuild a sense of safety.”
Authorities have identified Martinovic as the shooter and confirmed he died from self-inflicted wounds. While the motive remains unclear, national police director Lazar scepanovic stated that the victims were all known to Martinovic, calling them his “godfathers” and ”friends”.
The government has announced a nationwide period of mourning and pledged to strengthen gun control measures to prevent future tragedies. Though, for the people of Cetinje, the scars of this devastating event will likely linger for years to come.