A tragic shooting in the small town of Ketine, located in southern Montenegro, has left at least ten dead, including two children, and four others injured. The attack took place at a bar on Wednesday, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.
Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic reported the preliminary victim toll, with the shooting spanning four different locations. Authorities later identified the suspect as Co-Martinovic, although Prime Minister Milojko Spajic later confirmed the attacker’s death.
According to police, the suspect had an argument with several people at the bar, before pulling out a firearm and killing at least four individuals, including members of his own family. After the attack, he fled the scene, prompting a manhunt as police warned the public that he was armed and “dangerous.”
In a press conference, Acting Police Director Lazar Scepanovic revealed that Martinovic had been convicted in 2022 for possession of illegal weapons, including a compressed air rifle and explosives. However, the verdict was under appeal and had not been finalized. Additionally, Martinovic had a suspended sentence for violent behavior in 2005.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Spajic announced a National Security Council session to explore options, including a possible nationwide gun ownership ban. “Then we will have to ask ourselves who can be allowed to possess weapons in Montenegro,” he remarked.
Montenegro’s president, Jakov Milatovic, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Instead of festive joy, sadness for the loss of innocent lives looms over our capital and above all Montenegro. I am stunned and moved by this tragedy that has engulfed our Ketine, and to the families and friends of the victims, I express my deepest condolences.”
