Several thousand people rallied in Montenegro on Sunday, demanding the resignations of top security officials following a mass shooting earlier in the week that tragically left 12 dead, including two children. Protesters gathered outside the Interior Ministry in the capital, Podgorica, shouting slogans such as "Resignations" and "Killers" to express their anger towards Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović and Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defense Aleksa Bečić (AP News).

Earlier that day, hundreds had participated in a somber tribute in Cetinje, the historic capital, observing 12 minutes of silence to honor the victims. Many residents are frustrated, believing the police mishandled the situation and failed to implement adequate security measures since a previous shooting in the same town in August 2022.

The recent shooting was reportedly initiated by a bar brawl, where Aco Martinović, a 45-year-old local man, retrieved a gun from his home and returned to the bar, killing four people and eight others at various locations before taking his own life. This incident is particularly chilling as it highlights a broader concern about escalating violence in Montenegrin society, which is politically divided (VOA News).

Despite authorities claiming that the shooting was not predictable, it has raised fundamental questions regarding the effectiveness of state institutions in tackling issues such as gun violence. The gunman had a criminal background, including prior convictions for violent behavior and illegal weapons possession, emphasizing the public's demand for greater accountability from security officials.

In response to the tragedy, Montenegrin authorities have announced stringent new gun laws to curb illegal firearms, which are pervasive in the Balkan nation of approximately 620,000. As a part of their response, police reported raids resulting in the confiscation of about 20 weapons, over 500 rounds of ammunition, and explosives (Newsweek).

Protest organizers articulated the frustrations felt across the country, with Maja Gardašević questioning, "Why did a massacre happen in Cetinje for the second time? Why is no one responsible?" Meanwhile, Milo Perović, affiliated with a student-led organization, firmly stated, "You failed to protect us, so resign!" enjoining leaders to take responsibility for their failures (VOA News). As calls grow for accountability, the political future of Montenegro remains uncertain in the wake of this horrific incident.