Gunman opens fire in Montenegro killing 12 people after a dispute between guests at a restaurant in Cetinje neighbourhood.

According to authorities, a shooter in southern Montenegro has killed 12 people, including two children. Officials say that at least part of Wednesday’s fatalities occurred inside a restaurant in the Cetinje neighbourhood after a dispute between guests. Later on, it was established that the assailant had committed suicide.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic stated that the shooting had “shrouded our country in black” and that the government would observe three days of national mourning starting on Thursday.

According to police, the attack started at 17:30 (16:30 GMT) when a 45-year-old man named as Aleksandar Martinović started shooting inside the restaurant.

According to Montenegro’s police commander, he murdered the owner of the restaurant, two of his own family members, and the owner’s children, ages 10 and 13. The shooter then proceeded to kill additional victims at various locations.

According to AFP news agency, the  Danilo Saranovic who’s the country’s Interior Minister tagged the incident a “consequence of disturbed interpersonal relations”.

Police claim that prior to the attack, the suspect had been drinking excessively. The incident caused serious injuries to four victims, who were then transported to the hospital.

After being encircled by police who asked him to drop his weapon, the attacker ran but subsequently died from fatal self-inflicted injury. On the way to the hospital, he passed away.

“This senseless act has caused immeasurable sadness and bitterness in each of us,” the prime minister wrote on social media. There are no consoling words.

Milojko Spajic stated that the national security council would “promptly evaluate all alternatives” to ensure public safety, which could include an outright prohibition on weapon possession.

– Deeprows News