Calls to Tackle Illegal Guns Surge After Mass Shooting

Montenegro’s National Security Council held an emergency session on Friday, seeking solutions to the country’s illegal weapons problem following a mass shooting that left 12 people dead in the western town of Cetinje. This marks the second such tragedy in under three years in the small Balkan nation, spurring calls for stricter gun laws and immediate action to confiscate illegal firearms. The country, home to about 620,000 people, is known for its deeply rooted gun culture. According to state broadcaster RTCG, Montenegro ranks sixth globally in the number of illegal weapons per capita. The shooter, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinovi?, carried out the killings using an unregistered 9 mm firearm. Police recovered 37 shell casings and over 80 additional rounds of ammunition from the crime scene. People light candles for the victims of the Wednesday’s shooting rampage in Cetinje, in Podogrica, Montenegro, Jan. 2, 2025. On Friday, a top-level meeting in Montenegro is looking for ways to curb illegal weapons in… People light candles for the victims of the Wednesday’s shooting rampage in Cetinje, in Podogrica, Montenegro, Jan. 2, 2025. On Friday, a top-level meeting in Montenegro is looking for ways to curb illegal weapons in the country. Risto Bozovic/AP Photo Why It Matters The shooting underscores Montenegro’s ongoing struggle with gun violence and the prevalence of illegal firearms. The incident, described as “one of the biggest tragedies in the history of Montenegro” by Police Commissioner Lazar Š?epanovi?, has reignited concerns over the country’s safety and the effectiveness of its security systems. With another mass killing having occurred in Cetinje in 2022, where 10 people were murdered, public outcry has grown against the lack of preventive measures. Activist groups, including the Human Rights Action and Women’s Rights Center, have called for a review of the nation’s security protocols. What to Know On Wednesday, Martinovi? began a rampage after a bar altercation, killing seven men, three women—including his sister—and two children. Four others remain hospitalized with serious injuries. Montenegro has a high number of unregistered firearms. Addressing this issue is seen as critical to preventing further tragedies. Montenegro’s Political Divisions and Violence The country’s politically polarized environment has added complexity to addressing societal violence and gun ownership concerns. Citizens across Montenegro have held candlelight vigils for the victims and are planning protests demanding accountability and stronger preventive measures. Police officers stand guard at the home of a gunman after a shooting incident, in Cetinje, 36 kilometers (22 miles) west of Podogrica, Montenegro, Jan. 2, 2025. Many people are angry at the authorities for… Police officers stand guard at the home of a gunman after a shooting incident, in Cetinje, 36 kilometers (22 miles) west of Podogrica, Montenegro, Jan. 2, 2025. Many people are angry at the authorities for not doing more to prevent such tragedies and protests are being planned for the coming days. Risto Bozovic/AP Photo What People Are Saying Mira Škori?, a retiree from Podgorica, expressed frustration, stating: “I can’t believe that we failed so much as a society. We failed as people too.” Vesna Pejovi?, who lost family members in the 2022 Cetinje shooting, questioned the state’s effectiveness, asking: “What kind of state and system is this where children are getting killed? Are we at war? Where were the police?” Human Rights Action and Women’s Rights Center criticized the government, saying: The shootings “require a serious examination of the responsibility and preparedness of the security system.” What Happens Next Montenegro’s government is expected to propose new gun control legislation and increase efforts to confiscate illegal weapons. Public demonstrations are anticipated to keep pressure on authorities to address the crisis. Whether these measures will bring about meaningful change remains to be seen. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press