At least six people were killed on Monday after a gunman opened fire in a care home for the elderly in Croatia, according to the country’s public broadcaster.
The attack occurred in the town of Daruvar, about 75 miles east of the capital Zagreb. Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) reported that a man with a firearm entered the private care home and started shooting at those present. In addition to the fatalities, six people were injured, police said.
Among the victims, five were residents of the home, and one was an employee, Croatian police chief Nikola Milina informed reporters in Daruvar, as reported by HRT.
The gunman, who had prior encounters with authorities, was a member of a military police unit and possessed an unregistered short firearm, Milina stated. He noted that it was too early to speculate on a motive for the shooting.
According to HRT, five of the victims died immediately. State news agency HINA reported that some of the injured were receiving medical assistance in the hours following the attack.
The gunman fled the scene but was later apprehended near a cafe, HINA reported.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not disclosed further details, HRT said.
“We are appalled by the murder of five people” in the care home, Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković posted on social media, before the death of the sixth victim was confirmed.
“We express our condolences to the families of the victims and hope for the recovery of the wounded. I expect the competent authorities to determine all the circumstances of the terrible crime,” Plenković added.
Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister Davor Božinović, Minister of Health Vili Beroš, and Social Policy Minister Marin Piletić are traveling to Daruvar, the prime minister announced.