Montenegro in Southeastern Europe hit by alcohol-fueled shooting spree, killing 10, including kids

Cetinje: A gunman killed at least 10 people, including two children, in a shooting spree that began at a village restaurant near Cetinje, southern Montenegro. Authorities launched a manhunt, but the suspect shot himself in the head when cornered, police chief Lazar Scepanovic confirmed.

Victims included family members and minors

The attack began at the Bajice restaurant before spreading to multiple locations. Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic revealed that the gunman killed family members, and at least two of the victims were minors aged 10 and 13. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic described the event as a "terrible tragedy" and announced a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday.

Alcohol-fueled violence escalates into tragedy

Scepanovic explained that the shooter, identified as 45-year-old A.M., had consumed alcohol throughout the day before a fight with a restaurant guest escalated. He then retrieved a firearm from home and killed four people at one location. Spajic confirmed the shootings were not linked to organised crime, adding that the gunman’s firearms were illegal.

Government vows tighter gun control laws

The prime minister announced plans to tighten firearm possession criteria in response to the tragedy, stressing the need for stricter regulations after it was revealed the shooter had illegal weapons. He urged Montenegrins to reconsider who should be allowed to possess firearms.

A rare and devastating tragedy for Montenegro

President Jakov Milatovic expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "Our thoughts tonight are with the families who lost their loved ones." Mass shootings are rare in Montenegro, a nation of 620,000, and this tragedy comes just two years after another mass shooting in Cetinje, one of the deadliest in the region's recent history.

National mourning declared

The government has declared three days of national mourning from Thursday. Police sealed off the scene, with dozens of officers and medical personnel present as the investigation continues.

With AFP inputs