In a tragic incident in Montenegro, a gunman killed at least 10 people, including two minors, and left several others seriously injured in a killing spree that began at a village restaurant near Cetinje. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to have targeted both family members and others in the village of Bajice.
Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic confirmed the deaths, stating that two of the victims were minors, the children of the restaurant owner, who was also killed during the attack. The gunman also killed members of his own family, adding to the scale of the tragedy. The shooting unfolded across multiple locations, with at least four people reported to have been fatally shot in different areas.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic expressed his condolences, calling the attack a “terrible tragedy” that has deeply affected the community. Four individuals were seriously wounded in the attack, with some fighting for their lives in hospitals in the capital, Podgorica. In response to the incident, the Montenegrin government declared three days of national mourning, beginning Thursday.
Police are currently pursuing the suspect, identified as a 45-year-old man named A.M., who allegedly consumed alcohol throughout the day before the attack. Reports indicate that the violence escalated after a dispute with another guest at the restaurant, which led to the shooter returning home, retrieving a firearm, and continuing his rampage.
Police Chief Lazar Scepanovic revealed that the killings took place at four different locations, not just the restaurant. The shooter’s actions were not believed to be related to organized crime, according to authorities. Prime Minister Spajic further emphasized the need for stricter gun control laws in Montenegro, stating that the tragedy has prompted the government to reconsider who should be allowed to possess firearms.
As of now, police have sealed off the area surrounding the restaurant, with dozens of officers and special forces deployed to search for the suspect. Authorities have urged residents of Cetinje to stay inside as the investigation continues.
President Jakov Milatovic expressed his solidarity with the victims’ families, stating that the entire nation shares in their grief. The Montenegrin president also sent his thoughts and hopes for the swift recovery of those wounded in the attack.
Mass shootings are extremely rare in Montenegro, with the country still reeling from a similar incident in 2022, when a gunman killed 10 people in Cetinje, including two children. Organized crime and corruption have been longstanding issues in Montenegro, and authorities have pledged to take action against these challenges under the pressure of the European Union, as the country aspires to join the bloc.
The shooting has shocked the small Balkan nation, which is now grappling with the aftermath of one of its deadliest mass killings in recent history. The government’s commitment to investigating the event and reviewing gun control laws will likely play a critical role in how Montenegro addresses such tragedies moving forward.
Sources By Agencies
