PODGORICA, Montenegro — A man critically injured in a mass shooting that occurred on New Year’s Day in Montenegro passed away on Thursday, escalating the total number of fatalities to 13.

The tragic incident took place on January 1 in the western town of Cetinje following a fight at a bar. A local individual, aged 45, opened fire in multiple locations, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals before turning the weapon on himself. Among the deceased were two children, and four others suffered injuries, including Dejan Kokotovic, who was born in 1985 and succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

This incident marks the second mass shooting in Cetinje within a span of less than three years. In August 2022, another man killed 10 people before being shot by a bystander.

The recent shootings have raised alarm about the increasing violence in Montenegrin society, which is characterized by deep political divisions.

In response to the situation, the Montenegrin government has vowed to implement measures aimed at reducing the rampant illegal possession of firearms within the country, which has a population of approximately 620,000.

Montenegro has a long-standing gun culture; reports from the state broadcaster RTCG indicate that the nation ranks sixth globally in terms of illegal weapons per capita.

In light of the mass shootings, thousands of citizens have gathered to demand the resignations of top security officials, citing a lack of effective measures to enhance public safety since the prior shooting incident in Cetinje.