At least 12 people, including two minors, were shot dead in Montenegro on New Year’s Day. The gunman died of his wounds after attempting to take his own life overnight Wednesday night, Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic said.
The 45-year-old gunman has been identified by police as Aleksandar Martinovic. He attempted to end his life near his home in the town of Cetinje after being cornered by police. He died of his injuries while on his way to hospital, Saranovic told state broadcaster RTCG .
Martinovic was on the run after opening fire in a restaurant in Cetinje, killing four people. He then went to four other locations, killing eight more people, including two children. Four others were seriously injured.
Police say Martinovic had a history of illegal possession of weapons. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić told broadcaster RTCG that the “tragedy” occurred after a fight at the restaurant. Police say there is no connection to organized crime.
Mass shootings are rare in Montenegro, a country of more than 620,000 people. Three days of national mourning began on Thursday.
