A small town in Croatia, Daruvar, was left in shock and mourning after a lone gunman opened fire at a local nursing home, resulting in the death of six people, including the shooter’s mother. The victims, primarily in their 80s and 90s, were the unfortunate targets of this horrifying incident.
The national police chief, Nikola Milina, confirmed that five victims died at the scene, while another passed away in the hospital due to severe injuries. Among the deceased were five residents of the nursing home and one employee. In addition to the fatalities, at least six others were injured, with four of them in critical condition.
The suspect managed to escape the scene of the crime but was swiftly apprehended by authorities in a nearby cafe. Investigators are currently working tirelessly to uncover the motive behind this shocking act of violence.
The assailant, born in 1973, is reported to be a former police officer who served in Croatia’s 1991-95 war and was recognized as a decorated war veteran. Officials confirmed that he had a history of troubling incidents, which had previously brought him to the attention of law enforcement.
Daruvar’s mayor, Damir Lnenicek, praised the quality of the care facility, which housed approximately 20 individuals. While the cause and trigger of the attack remain unknown, Lnenicek stressed the importance of a thorough investigation to reveal the truth.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic expressed his shock at the “savage, unprecedented crime,” urging institutions to ramp up their efforts in preventing violence and implementing stricter controls on gun ownership. It was disclosed that the suspect used an unregistered firearm, shedding light on the issue of privately-held weapons, a legacy of the violent breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
In Croatia, private gun ownership is legal but requires a mental health evaluation. As this tight-knit community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, questions are being raised about how future acts of violence can be prevented.