In a tragic event that has sent shockwaves through Croatia, at least six individuals lost their lives in a mass shooting at a nursing home in the town of Daruvar. The incident occurred on Monday, and initial reports reveal that five victims, including one employee, were killed at the scene, with another succumbing to injuries in the hospital.

The gunman, whose identity has not been disclosed, initiated the attack within the care facility and subsequently fled. He was apprehended hours later in a local cafe, and found in possession of unregistered firearms. The severity of the situation is compounded by reports from police that several other individuals sustained injuries, with four currently in critical condition.

This violent act has prompted a national outcry for tighter gun control measures. President Zoran Milanovic expressed his horror over the incident, describing it as “savage and unprecedented.” He emphasized the urgent need for more stringent regulations on gun ownership to prevent such violence. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic also condemned the attack, offering his condolences to the victims and their families.

The motives behind the attack remain unclear, though it has been disclosed that the shooter’s mother had been residing in the nursing home for a decade. Further complicating the profile of the assailant are unconfirmed reports suggesting he might be a war veteran with a history of public disturbances and domestic abuse.

The community of Daruvar, a small spa town with a population of around 7,000, has been left reeling by the violence. The local mayor, Damir Lnenicek, expressed his disbelief and sorrow, reflecting the broader community’s shock and grief. At the time of the shooting, the nursing home housed approximately 20 residents.

This incident marks one of the deadliest shootings in Croatia since its independence in 1991 and highlights the broader issues of gun control and public safety within the region. Croatia ranks 25th in Europe for gun ownership, with 13.2 guns per 100 people, according to the 2017 Small Arms Survey. The tragedy follows recent mass shootings in neighboring Serbia, which similarly sparked significant public debate about gun laws and safety.