A gunman who killed at least 10 people during a rampage in Cetinje, Montenegro, has died from self-inflicted injuries after attempting suicide while being pursued by law enforcement. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Aleksandar Martinovic, was cornered by police when he took his own life near his home.
Montenegro’s Interior Minister, Danilo Saranovic, stated, “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 transport to the hospital.”
The shooting spree began on Wednesday afternoon in a restaurant in Cetinje, located 38 km (23.6 miles) west of the capital, Podgorica, where Martinovic initially killed four people. He then moved to three other locations, claiming at least six additional victims, including two children, with four others sustaining life-threatening injuries.
Authorities revealed that Martinovic had a history of illegal weapons possession and was likely under the influence of alcohol during the incident, which followed a reported brawl. Despite early suspicions, police indicated that the shooting was not linked to organized crime.
Mass shootings are rare in Montenegro, where gun culture is prominent. The country was left in shock as Prime Minister Milojko Spajic labeled the tragedy as a “terrible event,” declaring three days of national mourning. President Jakov Milatovic expressed his horror at the attack.
Although Montenegro has strict gun laws, the Western Balkans region has a notable surplus of firearms, remnants from conflicts in the 1990s and even earlier. In light of the shooting, Spajic announced that authorities will consider tightening regulations for firearm ownership, including the possibility of a complete ban on weapons.
Credit: CNN
