A tragic shooting rocked the Montenegrin city of Cetinje on Wednesday, leaving at least 12 people dead, including two children, and four others seriously injured. Authorities reported that the suspect, a 45-year-old man, took his own life after being surrounded by police, ending a horrifying day of violence. 

Montenegro’s Interior Minister, Danilo Saranovic, said the attack began after a fight broke out in a local bar. The shooter reportedly killed the bar owner and several members of his family before continuing the killing spree at three other locations in the city.

“The level of rage and brutality shows that some individuals can be even more dangerous than members of organized crime gangs,” Saranovic said, as special police units were deployed to ensure security in Cetinje. 

Police blocked all roads leading into and out of the city to contain the suspect. Police Commissioner Lazar Scepanovic explained that the man had spent the day at the bar with other patrons, left, returned armed, and opened fire around 5:30 p.m., killing four people inside before continuing his attacks elsewhere. 

The suspect had a criminal record for violent behavior and illegal possession of firearms. Local media reports said Martinovic, as he was identified, was known for erratic and violent conduct. 

Montenegro and an unhelpful context

This shooting is the second deadly incident in three years in Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic city. In 2022, another attacker killed 10 people, including two children. Montenegro, with about 620,000 residents, is known for its strong gun culture, with a high number of citizens owning firearms. 

Montenegro’s President, Jakov Milatovic, expressed his shock on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Instead of the joy of the holidays, we are filled with sorrow for the loss of innocent lives.”

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic visited the injured at the hospital and declared three days of national mourning, while authorities work to strengthen security and prevent new tragedies in the region and across Europe.