Gunman Kills 12, Including Two Children, in Shocking Attack

A quiet village near Cetinje turned into a scene of horror on Wednesday evening when a lone gunman went on a deadly rampage, killing 12 people, including two children, before ending his own life.

Authorities have identified Bajice village as the epicenter of the attack, which unfolded across five separate locations. Prosecutor Andrijana Nastić described the carnage as “a tragedy of unprecedented scale in our community.” She confirmed, “Twelve people were killed, of whom two were children. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive and circumstances of this devastating event.”

The violence began at 5:30 p.m. local time, starting in a local restaurant where four victims were initially shot. From there, the gunman continued his spree, targeting multiple locations before turning the gun on himself.

According to witnesses, chaos erupted as terrified residents scrambled to safety. “I heard gunshots, and I ran,” said one local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “I couldn’t believe this was happening in our village.”

Police confirmed the weapon used was an unregistered firearm, and investigators have ruled out organized crime as a factor.

In addition to the deceased, four others were critically injured. Health Minister Vojislav Šimun reported that three of the wounded remain in life-threatening condition at a hospital in Podgorica. “Our medical teams are doing everything possible,” Šimun said in a somber statement.

As the country grapples with the tragedy, the Montenegrin government has declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday. Flags will be flown at half-mast as citizens unite to honor the victims.

Mass shootings are rare in Montenegro, a small Balkan nation with a population of just over 600,000. This incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Local leaders are already calling for stricter gun regulations. “This tragedy underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent illegal firearms from reaching our streets,” said Luka Vuković, a prominent political figure in Cetinje.

Residents echoed these sentiments, demanding answers and accountability. “We must ensure this never happens again,” said Ivana Petrović, a teacher from Bajice.

As Montenegro mourns, the spotlight falls on a nation searching for solace and justice. The prosecutor’s office has vowed to provide updates as the investigation unfolds.

This heartbreaking event has left a lasting scar on Bajice and the entire country. But amid the sorrow, the community stands united in their resolve to rebuild and remember those lost.