Tragic Shooting Spree in Cetinje, Montenegro Claims 12 Lives
A horrific tragedy unfolded in the small town of Cetinje, Montenegro, on January 1, 2025, when a gunman embarked on a deadly shooting spree that left at least 12 people dead, including two children. The shooter, identified as 45-year-old Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, opened fire following a violent altercation at a local bar. Initially, he killed four people at the bar before going on a rampage that spread across several locations, ultimately claiming the lives of eight more people, including two young children. Authorities reported that the victims were all known to Martinovic, with many being close friends or relatives.
The violent attack marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje in less than three years. The town, located approximately 24 miles from Montenegro’s capital Podgorica, is no stranger to violence, having experienced a similar tragedy in August 2022 when a gunman killed 10 people, including two children, before being shot dead by a passerby. This recent attack, however, has left the community in a state of shock and despair.
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After the initial shooting, Martinovic fled the scene but was soon located by police, who surrounded him. In the face of capture, he attempted suicide, ultimately succumbing to his injuries while being transported to a hospital. The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, but officials believe that alcohol may have played a significant role, as Martinovic had been drinking heavily before the shooting.
Montenegro's political leaders expressed their horror over the tragic events. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic declared three days of national mourning, and President Jakov Milatovic expressed his grief, calling the attack a senseless loss of innocent lives. Local residents, such as Slavica Vusurovic, spoke of the fear and uncertainty that gripped the community, with many too afraid to even look out of their windows as the police swarmed the streets in search of the attacker.
The shooting has reignited discussions about Montenegro’s gun laws, which remain relatively permissive in a region with a deeply entrenched gun culture. Despite strict regulations on firearms, the Western Balkans, including Montenegro, is still rife with illegal weapons, many dating back to the conflicts of the 1990s. In response to the tragedy, the government is considering stricter gun control measures, which would include a new weapons law and the recruitment of more police officers to tackle the illegal weapon trade.
This devastating incident has left Montenegro grappling with both grief and a broader societal conversation about gun violence, mental health, and the ongoing struggles with illegal firearms in the region.
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