NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
Last updated on July 27th, 2024 at 08:31 am
DARUVAR, Croatia (AP) – In a tragic and shocking event, an armed assailant entered a care home for older people in the quiet central Croatian town of Daruvar on Monday, opening fire and leaving six people dead and six others wounded. The victims, mostly in their 90s, included five residents and one employee of the care home.
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Incident Overview
Date: July 22, 2024
Location: Daruvar, Croatia
Victims: Six dead (five residents, one employee), six wounded
Suspect: Former policeman, born in 1973, participant in the 1991-95 Croatian War
Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed his horror and dismay over the incident, which has left the small town of Daruvar, known for its spa in the Slavonia region, in a state of shock and grief.
Police and Witness Accounts
Croatia’s police chief, Nikola Milina, provided details of the attack, stating that five people died immediately, while another succumbed to injuries in the hospital. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended in a cafe near the facility.
“The suspect is under police supervision,” said a statement from the regional police office. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack.
Local resident Zlatko Sutuga, who knew the assailant from the war times, described him as aggressive and struggling with alcohol issues. It is believed that one of the victims, the suspect’s mother, had been a resident of the care home for the past 10 years.
Community Reaction
The attack has deeply affected the residents of Daruvar. Relatives of those in the care home gathered outside the modest one-story building, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.
“We have my mom here, she is 90,” Nina Samot told Nova TV. “This is horrific what has happened, 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 Responses
The mayor of Daruvar, Damir Lnenicek, expressed his disbelief and grief over the tragedy, stating that it occurred in a private home that housed about 20 people and was known for its excellent care.
“What is the cause, the trigger, it is difficult to say. That will be determined by the investigation,” said Lnenicek.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic also reacted to the incident, describing it as a “savage, unprecedented crime” and calling for more rigorous control of gun ownership to prevent violence in society.
Weapon and Historical Context
Police officials revealed that the assailant used an unregistered gun. Croatia, which experienced a bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, still has many weapons kept in private homes.
The tragic shooting at the Daruvar care home has left a deep scar on the community, with residents and officials alike struggling to comprehend how such an incident could occur. As investigations continue, there is a pressing need for measures to prevent future violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
This original article was published by news-affairs.com and has sourced confirmation and information from gazette.com and other internet sources.
