A tragic mass shooting in Montenegro has left at least 10 people dead, including two children, following a violent incident that began on New Year’s Day at a restaurant in the village of Bajice, near Cetinje.
The shooter, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovic, reportedly opened fire after a dispute at a bar, targeting the bar’s owner and his family members. Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic confirmed that among the victims were the restaurant owner’s children, who were also killed in the attack.
The incident unfolded around 6:00 p.m. and quickly escalated as Martinovic fled the scene, prompting a massive manhunt by police forces. Special units were deployed to search for him in Cetinje, approximately 30 kilometres from Podgorica.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic described the event as a “horrific tragedy” and announced three days of national mourning starting Thursday. Reports indicate that Martinovic later succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound while being apprehended by police at his residence.
This mass shooting marks the second such incident in Cetinje within three years; a similar attack in 2022 also resulted in multiple fatalities.
Authorities are now considering stricter gun control measures in response to the rising violence, with Montenegro having a notably high rate of gun ownership among its population of approximately 620,000.
As investigations continue, four individuals remain hospitalised with serious injuries. The government has urged citizens to stay vigilant and calm.
