• On Wednesday, a shooting rampage in Cetinje, Montenegro, resulted in the deaths of **12 individuals**, including **two children**.
• The shooter, identified as **Aco Martinović**, 45, was reported to have engaged in a **bar brawl** before opening fire.
• The attack is part of a troubling trend, being the second incident of this nature in **Cetinje** in three years, where another attack left **10 dead**.
• Montenegro's government declared **three days of national mourning**, with calls for a potential ban on gun ownership following the tragedy.
• President **Jakov Milatović** expressed shock, stating, “**Instead of holiday joy, we have been gripped by sadness** over the loss of innocent lives.”

Shock and dismay have enveloped Montenegro following a devastating shooting in the western town of Cetinje, where an armed man, identified as **Aco Martinović**, killed **12 people**, including **two children**. The attack occurred on **Wednesday** and reportedly stemmed from a brawl at a local bar, leading to chaos as the shooter opened fire indiscriminately, affecting multiple locations throughout the town, located about **30 kilometers** northwest of the capital, **Podgorica**.

Initially fleeing the scene, Martinović was ultimately located by police, who had dispatched a special unit, sealing off all roads into and out of the area. Authorities report that he died by **suicide** after being surrounded by law enforcement officials. **Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović** stated that among the victims were not only the bar owner and his family but also members of the shooter's family. Witnesses reflected the profound shock felt by the community, with one individual, **Vanja Popović**, remarking, “**No one expected it; you can’t even ask anyone anything.**”

The incident has prompted calls for stricter regulations on firearms in Montenegro, a country known for its gun culture. **Prime Minister Milojko Spajić** noted the possibility of a total ban on weapons as discussions about public safety surface in the wake of this tragedy. **Montenegro**, with a population of just over **620,000**, has experienced significant gun violence in recent years, and calls for reform may become louder as residents grapple with the aftermath of this horrific event.

This incident stands as a stark reminder of the need for societal introspection regarding violence and gun ownership in Montenegro. The government announced a period of **national mourning** in solidarity with victims' families and loved ones, as the nation collectively mourns a profound loss of life during what should have been a season of joy

For more details, you can read the full article on the [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/montenegro-shooting-gunman-suicide-cetinje-7ab4ac905c4d08bca357251823dd4ee6).