Twelve lives were taken in a New Year’s Day shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro, marking one of the worst tragedies in the nation’s history. The victims included two children, three women, and seven men.
According to Lazar Šćepanović, the Acting Director of the Police Administration (UP), the perpetrator committed the crimes across five locations within a half-hour timeframe. In a press conference, Šćepanović revealed that law enforcement was first alerted about the shooting at a tavern at 5:26 p.m., but the location given, Bajice, was inaccurate. He mentioned how the first response team from Podgorica arrived 20 minutes after the alert, during which time the shooter had executed the murders. The victims were comprised of acquaintances, friends, godfathers, and close family members of the shooter.
The gunman, 45-year-old Aleksandar “Aco” Martinovic, initiated the violence after a day of consuming alcohol and an argument at a local bar. This incident has spurred shock and grief nationwide.
State broadcaster RTCG reported that the violence started when Martinovic got into an altercation at a tavern in Cetinje. After the dispute, he reportedly went home, armed himself, and began his lethal onslaught.
Details of the Attack
Martinovic’s attack, which lasted 30 minutes, began at the tavern, where he took the lives of four people, including the bar owner. He then moved on to five more locations, targeting both people he knew and strangers. Among the victims were two children, ages nine and 14, who were the bar owner’s children. Disturbingly, his own family members, including his sister, Zorica Vuletić, were also part of the death toll.
Officers located Martinović using thermal imaging cameras. However, he refused to surrender and ended his life with a gunshot to his head around 11:35 p.m. He did not die instantly but passed away while being transported to the “Danilo I” hospital.
Four individuals were severely wounded in the attack, requiring hospitalization.
Government Reaction and Gun Control Debate
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic denounced the violent incident, stating, “Weapons must not be on the streets and in the hands of those who can harm others.” In the aftermath of the tragedy, the government declared a three-day period of national mourning and canceled all New Year’s festivities.
Šćepanović referred to the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies in the history of Montenegro.” The shooting has sparked renewed demands for stricter gun control in the small Balkan country, which is among the top countries globally in terms of firearm ownership. Both Montenegro and neighboring Serbia have an estimated 39 firearms for every 100 residents.
Officials disclosed that Martinovic had prior convictions, including one for unlawful weapons possession and a suspended sentence for violent behavior. This information has amplified criticism of the current gun laws and their enforcement.
History of Violence in Cetinje
This incident is the second mass shooting in recent years in Cetinje. In August 2022, a similar incident occurred where 10 people, including two children, were murdered. The recurring incidents of gun violence have left residents in grief and desperation, urging for immediate action to prevent future tragedies.
President Jakov Milatović expressed his sorrow over the incident, posting, “Instead of holiday joy…we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives.”
A high-level conference held in the capital city of Podgorica on Friday, January 3, unveiled serious initiatives to tackle illegal firearms.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced that individuals with registered firearms will be subjected to updated security and psychological evaluations, while severe penalties are intended for those who possess weapons unlawfully.
