Montenegro Grapples with Gun Control After Tragic Mass Shooting Claims 12 Lives

PODGORICA, Montenegro — In a shocking recurrence of violence, Montenegro is struggling to address its gun control policies following a devastating shooting in the western town of Cetinje that left 12 people dead, marking the second mass killing in just under three years.

In response to this tragedy, an emergency session of Montenegro’s National Security Council convened on Friday to discuss immediate measures to combat the widespread presence of illegal firearms across the nation, which is home to approximately 620,000 citizens. The latest statistics reveal that Montenegro ranks sixth globally in the number of illegal weapons per capita, a deeply entrenched issue stemming from the country’s historical gun culture.

The perpetrator, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinović, unleashed his rampage armed with an illegal 9 mm pistol after escalating from a bar brawl. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene, with police discovering 37 shell casings and over 80 rounds of unused ammunition at multiple shooting sites. Martinović ultimately took his own life after the spree, raising numerous questions about the support systems in place for individuals with a history of violence.

Among the victims of this heinous act were seven men, three women—including the gunman’s sister—and two young children born in 2011 and 2016. Additionally, four others sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized. Police Commissioner Lazar Šćepanović described the incident as "one of the biggest tragedies in the history of Montenegro," creating a somber atmosphere throughout the nation.

In the wake of the attack, citizens held candlelight vigils, mourning the victims while also expressing widespread outrage at the authorities for failing to implement more effective preventive measures. Retiree Mira Škorić voiced her despair, stating, “I can’t believe that we failed so much as a society. We failed as people too.” Protests are being organized as citizens demand accountability and answers regarding the shooting.

This tragic event is reminiscent of an August 2022 massacre in Cetinje, where another gunman killed 10 individuals, including two children, before being shot by a bystander. These recurring incidents have sparked an urgent call for a thorough evaluation of the security measures in place and the responsibility of state institutions.

Human Rights Action and Women’s Rights Center groups have called for a serious examination of the situation, questioning what changes to the security system have been made since the 2022 massacre. Although authorities have claimed Martinović’s spree was spontaneous and unpredictable, his history of violent behavior and illegal weapon possession, coupled with his prior psychiatric treatment, raises serious concerns about public safety.

Local resident Vesna Pejović, who tragically lost her daughter and two grandchildren in the prior shooting, expressed her dismay, demanding action from law enforcement: “What kind of state and system is this where children are getting killed? Are we at war? Where were the police?”

As Montenegro navigates this crisis, the government faces mounting pressure to introduce robust gun control reforms and tackle the pressing issue of illegal firearms in a society yearning for safety and peace. Will these measures effectively restore security and prevent future tragedies? Only time will tell.