A New Year’s Day shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro claimed the lives of 12 people, including two children, three women, and seven men, in what officials are calling one of the country’s worst tragedies.
Lazar Šćepanović, the Acting Director of the Police Administration (UP), stated that the shooter committed crimes across five locations within a span of 30 minutes. Speaking at an extraordinary press conference, Šćepanović revealed that police were notified at 5:26 p.m. about gunfire at a tavern, but the reported location—Bajice—was incorrect. He noted that it took 30 minutes for the shooter to carry out the murders and that the first response team from Podgorica arrived 20 minutes after the alert. The victims included acquaintances, friends, godfathers, and close family members.
The gunman, identified as 45-year-old Aleksandar “Aco” Martinovic, opened fire at multiple locations following a day of drinking alcohol followed by an altercation at a local bar, triggering shock and mourning across the nation.
According to state broadcaster RTCG, the violence began when Martinovic became involved in an argument at a tavern in the historic town of Cetinje. Following the dispute, he reportedly returned home to retrieve a firearm before launching a deadly rampage.
Sequence of the Attack
The 30-minute attack began at the tavern where Martinovic killed four individuals, including the bar owner. He then drove to five additional sites, targeting both strangers and acquaintances. Among his victims were two children, aged 9 and 14, identified as the restaurant owner’s children. Tragically, members of Martinovic’s own family, including his sister, Zorica Vuletić, were also among the deceased.
Using thermal imaging cameras, officers located Martinović, who refused to surrender his weapons and took his own life around 11:35 p.m., with a shot to the head. Although he did not die immediately, he succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the “Danilo I” hospital.
Four people were seriously injured during the assault. As of now, three remain in stable condition, while one is in critical condition.
Official Responses and Gun Control Debate
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic condemned the violence, stating, “Weapons must not be on the streets and in the hands of those who can harm others.” In light of the tragedy, the government declared three days of national mourning and canceled all New Year’s celebrations.
Šćepanović described the incident as “one of the biggest tragedies in the history of Montenegro.” The shooting has reignited calls for stricter gun control in the small Balkan country, which ranks among the highest globally in firearm ownership. Montenegro and neighboring Serbia are tied with an estimated 39 firearms per 100 people.
Law enforcement officials revealed that Martinovic had a criminal history, including a prior conviction for illegal weapons possession and a suspended sentence for violent behavior. These revelations have fueled criticism of existing gun laws and enforcement practices.
A Town Scarred by Repeated Tragedies
This is the second mass shooting in Cetinje in recent years. In August 2022, a gunman killed 10 people, including two children, in a similar rampage, underscoring the persistent challenges surrounding gun violence in the region. Residents have expressed grief and frustration, calling for swift action to prevent future tragedies.
“Instead of holiday joy…we have been gripped by sadness over the loss of innocent lives,” President Jakov Milatović posted on X.
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.
