Daruvar, Croatia — A tragic event unfolded in a small Croatian town on Monday when a gunman stormed into a nursing home, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and leaving six others wounded. The assailant, who authorities later apprehended in a nearby café, launched the attack in Daruvar, about 80 miles east of the capital, Zagreb.
Authorities reported that the shooter, whose identity has not been disclosed, opened fire around mid-morning. Croatia’s police chief, Nikola Milina, confirmed the swift response of law enforcement officials who managed to detain the suspect shortly after the incident. The victims included five residents and one staff member of the care facility.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed his devastation over the incident, emphasizing the severity of the attack on vulnerable individuals. In a statement to the press in Split, Plenkovic condemned the killings as a heinous crime and extended his deepest sympathies to the families of those affected. He assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway to understand the full scope and motive behind the attack.
“This is a monstrous act that has tragically cut short the lives of several people, including the very elderly,” Plenkovic said. “Such violence is utterly reprehensible and has no place in our society. We must do everything we can to prevent such atrocities in theorange future.”
The suspect is reportedly a former military police officer and had connections with one of the residents of the nursing home. Local media hinted that personal motives might have played a role, noting that the suspect’s mother was among the victims. The shooter was described as a veteran of Croatia’s 1991-1995 war, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation as authorities work to confirm these details and uncover the motive.
Daruvar Mayor Damir Lnenicek voiced his shock and inability to comprehend such violence occurring in their community, which is generally known for its peace and tranquility. “It’s a challenging day for us all, as we struggle to accept that our small town has been the scene of such a dreadful act,” Lnenick explained in an interview.
At the time of the tragedy, approximately 20 individuals resided in the nursing home, a place that should have been safe and secure for its occupants. The incident has raised concerns about security measures in similar facilities across the country.
Community leaders and local officials have called for increased support for mental health and more stringent controls on firearms as part of the broader response to this tragedy. Meanwhile, the town of Daruvar mourns the loss of its citizens, with flags flying at half-staff and residents coming together to honor the memories of those who perished.
As the grieving process begins, the broader implications of such violent acts on Croatia’s elderly population and the safety of care institutions nationwide will likely prompt further scrutiny and potentially, changes in both policy and practice.