Tragedy Strikes Montenegro as Shooting Toll Rises to Thirteen
The latest victim succumbs to injuries, raising questions over security protocols and gun control policies in Montenegro.
In a grim development from Montenegro, the death toll from the mass shooting in Cetinje on New Year's Day has risen to thirteen.
The Montenegrin Clinical Center confirmed the passing of a severely injured man, who had been under treatment since he was brought in with gunshot wounds on the first day of the year.
According to reports from the Montenegrin public service broadcaster's online site, RTCG, the victim had undergone multiple surgeries and initially showed signs of recovery.
However, his condition deteriorated due to complications, leading to his death.
The incident unfolded when a heavily intoxicated Aleksandar Martinovic, aged 45, opened fire in a Cetinje café.
In his escape, he continued shooting at four different locations, ultimately taking the lives of twelve people, including two children, before turning the weapon on himself.
In response to this tragedy, thousands of citizens took to the streets in multiple Montenegrin cities, calling for the resignation of the Interior Minister.
Protesters marched through the capital with placards reading 'Killers' and 'Resignations!' demanding accountability from those responsible for public safety.
Citizens allege that security officials and their agencies have failed to adequately protect the populace.
This sentiment is echoed by reminders of a similar incident in August 2022 in Cetinje, where a gunman killed ten individuals.
Protestors criticize the police's handling of that situation and their perceived inaction in increasing security measures or tightening gun laws to prevent future occurrences.
Adding to the grievances, it has emerged that Martinovic had a prior conviction for illegal gun possession and violent behavior.
This revelation has intensified scrutiny over the country's legal and regulatory mechanisms regarding firearms.
In light of public outcry, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced forthcoming, stricter gun ownership legislation.
Current license holders must renew their permits under more stringent conditions by the next New Year's Day, or their weapons will be deemed illegal.
Concurrently, the government has extended the firearms amnesty program by two months, allowing individuals to surrender illegally held firearms without facing legal consequences.
The latest tragedy has augmented pressure on Montenegrin authorities to urgently address gun control and enhance security measures to ensure public safety.
The Montenegrin Clinical Center confirmed the passing of a severely injured man, who had been under treatment since he was brought in with gunshot wounds on the first day of the year.
According to reports from the Montenegrin public service broadcaster's online site, RTCG, the victim had undergone multiple surgeries and initially showed signs of recovery.
However, his condition deteriorated due to complications, leading to his death.
The incident unfolded when a heavily intoxicated Aleksandar Martinovic, aged 45, opened fire in a Cetinje café.
In his escape, he continued shooting at four different locations, ultimately taking the lives of twelve people, including two children, before turning the weapon on himself.
In response to this tragedy, thousands of citizens took to the streets in multiple Montenegrin cities, calling for the resignation of the Interior Minister.
Protesters marched through the capital with placards reading 'Killers' and 'Resignations!' demanding accountability from those responsible for public safety.
Citizens allege that security officials and their agencies have failed to adequately protect the populace.
This sentiment is echoed by reminders of a similar incident in August 2022 in Cetinje, where a gunman killed ten individuals.
Protestors criticize the police's handling of that situation and their perceived inaction in increasing security measures or tightening gun laws to prevent future occurrences.
Adding to the grievances, it has emerged that Martinovic had a prior conviction for illegal gun possession and violent behavior.
This revelation has intensified scrutiny over the country's legal and regulatory mechanisms regarding firearms.
In light of public outcry, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced forthcoming, stricter gun ownership legislation.
Current license holders must renew their permits under more stringent conditions by the next New Year's Day, or their weapons will be deemed illegal.
Concurrently, the government has extended the firearms amnesty program by two months, allowing individuals to surrender illegally held firearms without facing legal consequences.
The latest tragedy has augmented pressure on Montenegrin authorities to urgently address gun control and enhance security measures to ensure public safety.
