A shooting incident at a nursing home in Daruvar, Croatia on the morning of Monday, July 22, 2024 resulted in six fatalities, including the mother of the shooter. This tragic event has caused considerable distress in the community and ignited discussions about gun control and the mental health care of war veterans.
Nikola Milina, the national police chief, stated that the attack was initiated at around 10 a.m. Five victims were killed at the scene, while a sixth succumbed to injuries in the hospital later that day. The deceased included five elderly residents of the nursing home, mostly aged between 80 and 90, and a staff member. Six individuals were injured in the incident, with four in severe condition.
Authorities apprehended the 51-year-old suspect, a former police officer and war veteran, Krešimir Pahoki, at a cafe nearby shortly after the incident. The man had a record of previous encounters with the law due to a series of troubling episodes.
Investigators are examining the potential motive for the incident, with early reports suggesting that financial troubles, including his mother’s care expenses, may be a factor. Zlatko Sutuga, a resident of Daruvar, described the shooter as known for his aggressive behavior, fueled by “alcohol and all that.”
The shooter, whose mother had resided in the nursing home for the past decade, used an unregulated firearm for the attack. This detail has brought the issue of illegal weapons, particularly those leftover from the violent dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, back into focus. These unregulated weapons, often kept in private residences, pose a significant threat to public safety.
Nina Samot, a relative of one of the nursing home residents, voiced her distress to the press. Her mother, aged 90, was a resident of the facility and the shock of the incident has reverberated throughout the small town, particularly among those who have relatives in the nursing home.
Zoran Milanovic, the President of Croatia, expressed his shock and grief over the incident, labeling it a brutal crime without precedent. He advocated for more stringent gun control policies to prevent similar tragedies in the future, emphasizing the need for all relevant institutions to take more decisive action against societal violence.
Daruvar, a peaceful town with a population of approximately 8,500, known for its spa facilities, is home to the nursing home, which houses about 20 residents and is known for its high-quality care. This incident is one of the most violent in Croatia’s history since its independence in 1991. The incident follows a series of mass shootings in neighboring Serbia, which resulted in a significant number of citizens surrendering their firearms during a government amnesty.
According to the police, Pahoki is facing 11 criminal charges, including murder and attempted murder. The charges also include femicide, which refers to the killing of women due to their gender.