Tragic Shooting at Croatian Nursing Home Leaves Community Reeling
In a quiet Croatian town, the peace was shattered on Monday when a gunman stormed a local nursing home and unleashed a deadly attack. The assailant, tragically, killed six people, including his own mother, in an event that has left the community in utter disbelief.
The horrifying incident occurred in Daruvar, a serene spa town nestled in the municipality of Slavonia, with a population of around 8,500. The victims, most of whom were in their 80s and 90s, were primarily residents of the nursing home, while one of the deceased was an employee of the facility.
Details of the Attack
According to Nikola Milina, the national police chief, the rampage began with the immediate deaths of five individuals at the scene. A sixth person succumbed to injuries later at a nearby hospital. Among the injured, six others were reported wounded, with four in serious condition. The attack has undoubtedly caused immense grief and turmoil in this tight-knit community.
The suspect, who fled the scene after the shooting, was apprehended shortly afterward in a café not far from the nursing home. The police quickly took him into custody, but the motive behind his brutal act remains unclear.
Background on the Suspect
Reports from N1 regional television have identified the suspect as a man born in 1973, a former policeman with a troubled past. This individual had been decorated as a war veteran for his service during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995. However, his history with the law is marred by previous incidents that had put him on the police radar. The suspect's mother had been residing in the nursing home for the past decade.
Zlatko Sutuga, a local resident who knew the suspect from his wartime days, described him as having been "really aggressive," with a history of alcohol abuse and erratic behavior. Sutuga's account sheds light on the troubled background of the man responsible for this tragic event.
Community Response and Reaction
The attack has left Daruvar in a state of shock and mourning. The nursing home, which housed approximately 20 residents, was described by the town's mayor, Damir Lnenicek, as a well-regarded facility. The mayor expressed uncertainty about the exact cause of the attack, stating that the investigation would reveal more about what triggered this horrific event.
Outside the nursing home, the scene was one of distress as relatives gathered anxiously, seeking information about their loved ones. Nina Samot, a resident whose 90-year-old mother was among those affected, expressed her horror and disbelief. “This is horrific what has happened,” Samot told Nova TV. “This is such a small town. Especially when you have someone inside. … We are waiting, we are all in shock. The whole town is in shock.”
Official Reactions and Future Measures
The Croatian President, Zoran Milanovic, condemned the attack as "savage" and "unprecedented," emphasizing the need for more stringent measures to prevent such violence. He called for increased control over gun ownership as a critical step in addressing the issue of violence in society.
In the aftermath, it was revealed that the suspect had used an unregistered firearm in the attack. This raises concerns about gun control in Croatia, where private gun ownership remains legal but is supposed to be regulated through mental health checks. The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s left many weapons in private hands, contributing to ongoing issues with unregistered firearms.
The Broader Implications
This tragic event highlights the broader challenges faced by Croatian society regarding gun control and mental health. As authorities investigate the motive behind the attack, the focus will likely shift toward examining how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
The community of Daruvar, meanwhile, will continue to grieve and seek answers as they come to terms with the loss and shock that has gripped their town. This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the need for vigilance in safeguarding it.
The pain and sorrow of this tragedy are palpable, but so too is the resolve of the community to heal and find strength in each other as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating event.
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