A man carried out a deadly shooting spree in a small Montenegrin town, killing 12 people before taking his own life, authorities reported on Thursday. The incident, one of the Balkan nation's deadliest mass shootings, occurred in Cetinje, a town 38 kilometers (24 miles) west of the capital, Podgorica.
The gunman, identified by police as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic, began the attack on Wednesday afternoon by shooting four people at a restaurant following an argument. He then proceeded to kill eight others, including two children and his own sister, across three separate locations, according to police director Lazar Scepanovic.
"All the victims were close to him—godfathers, friends. Tragically, he also killed his sister, with whom he shared a good relationship and even celebrated New Year's Eve," Scepanovic revealed at a press conference.
The police response was initially delayed due to incorrect information about the location of the first shooting. After being surrounded by officers near his home, Martinovic attempted suicide, succumbing to his injuries while en route to the hospital. Officers found an unregistered handgun and 90 rounds of ammunition on his body.
Cetinje residents were left shaken, with streets deserted and public spaces closed. "It was terrifying. There was an overwhelming fear among all families," said local resident Slavica Vusurovic.
Authorities disclosed that Martinovic had a history of heavy drinking and prior legal troubles. In 2022, police discovered airguns and a homemade bomb in his possession, leading to a brief jail sentence that he appealed. He had also been ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation.
Four additional victims remain hospitalized, with one in critical condition, according to Aleksandar Radovic, director of the Clinical Centre in Podgorica.
In response, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic declared three days of national mourning and convened the National Security Council to discuss measures to control illegal firearms and strengthen public safety. Proposals include stricter gun ownership criteria and increased police recruitment, though such measures may face resistance in a region still grappling with the legacy of the 1990s conflicts.