A tragic shooting unfolded Monday in a serene Croatian town as a gunman entered a nursing home, fatally shooting six people, including his own mother, officials confirmed. Most victims were elderly, aged between their 80s and 90s, according to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
National Police Chief Nikola Milina reported that five victims died at the scene, with another succumbing to injuries at a hospital. Among the deceased were five residents and one staff member, while at least six others sustained injuries, four of them serious.
Following the rampage, the suspect fled the scene but was swiftly apprehended at a nearby café by law enforcement officers, Milina stated. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack.
Regional TV network N1 identified the suspect as a former police officer born in 1973, decorated for his service during Croatia’s 1991-1995 war. Known to authorities for previous incidents, the suspect’s mother had been a resident of the nursing home for a decade.
Zlatko Sutuga, a Daruvar resident, recalled knowing the suspect from wartime, describing him as aggressive and troubled by alcohol-related issues.
The devastating incident has left Daruvar, a tranquil spa town with a population of 8,500 in the Slavonia region, in shock and mourning. Outside the modest nursing home building, relatives of residents anxiously awaited news of their loved ones.
Nina Samot, whose 90-year-old mother resides in the facility, expressed horror over the tragedy, emphasizing the impact on such a close-knit community.
Mayor Damir Lnenicek described the nursing home as well-regarded, accommodating approximately 20 residents. He urged patience as investigators work to determine the motive behind the gunman’s actions.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic condemned the “savage, unprecedented crime,” calling for enhanced efforts to prevent violence in society, including stricter gun control measures.
Police confirmed that the suspect used an unregistered firearm, highlighting ongoing concerns over private gun ownership in Croatia, a legacy from the Yugoslav wars. Ownership is legal with a mental health assessment.
Associated Press reporters Dusan Stojanovic and Jovana Gec in Belgrade contributed to this report.
