BELGRADE: In a tragic event near Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro, several lives were lost during a shooting at a local restaurant, according to local media reports on Wednesday.
Citing the country’s police, Montenegrin broadcaster Vijesti TV reported that the shooting was preceded by a brawl at the restaurant, which resulted in multiple fatalities. The gunman, who fled the scene, continued the rampage by shooting and killing two children on the street, news outlet CDM reported.
A police spokesperson confirmed that at least ten people were killed in the incident.
Speaking in a live broadcast outside a medical center, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić described the event as a “terrible tragedy” and announced three days of national mourning. While he did not confirm the exact number of casualties, he stated that four injured individuals had been transferred to a hospital in Podgorica, the capital, for surgery.
“Initial information suggests the perpetrator was not affiliated with organized crime groups. The incident reportedly began as a brawl involving firearms,” Spajić said.
Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović expressed his shock and sorrow over the attack, saying, “I am stunned and horrified by the tragedy in Cetinje. We are praying for the recovery of the injured.”
The usually bustling streets of Cetinje were silent and snow-covered on Wednesday, with only law enforcement officers present. Special police and anti-terror units combed the surrounding hills in search of the suspect. Cetinje lies in a shallow valley surrounded by rugged mountains.
The Montenegrin Police Directorate deployed special units to the area and urged residents to remain indoors. Footage showed police cordoning off a neighborhood adorned with festive lights.
“All available police units are actively working to apprehend the suspect,” the police said in a statement.
Mass shootings are rare in Montenegro, despite its strong gun culture. In 2022, a mass shooting claimed 11 lives, including two children and the gunman, and injured six others.
Although Montenegro has strict gun laws, the Western Balkans region, including Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, remains flooded with weapons, many dating back to the conflicts of the 1990s and even to World War I.
Prime Minister Spajić announced plans to tighten firearm regulations, including the potential for a total ban on civilian gun ownership.
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