A patient shot his doctor and a police officer.

On August 22, 2016, a violent shooting occurred at the Isola General Hospital, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others. The incident took place shortly after 3 p.m., when 70-year-old Darko Gregorič, a retired fisherman from Sveti Anton near Koper, arrived at the hospital with his silver Chevrolet Aveo. According to reports, he was carrying a hunting rifle and a pistol, both of which were later found to have been used in the attack. Gregorič, who had previously survived a period of imprisonment due to armed robbery during the Yugoslav wars, reportedly walked into the hospital’s emergency room with a gun drawn. He fired multiple shots, killing Dr. Iva Žnidaršič, a staff physician, and a police officer who had responded to the scene. Witnesses described the chaos that followed, with patients and medical personnel fleeing in panic as bullets echoed through the corridors. The shooting left a trail of casualties. In addition to the two confirmed fatalities, three other individuals sustained serious injuries, including one nurse and two visitors. Emergency services were called immediately, and paramedics rushed to the scene. Despite efforts to save the victims, the wounded were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The hospital itself suffered damage, though no structural collapse occurred. Gregorič, known locally for his past criminal activities, had a history of legal troubles. His arrest record includes charges related to armed robbery and possession of illegal weapons. However, he had been living under the radar since his release from prison several years earlier. On the day of the incident, he was visiting the hospital for reasons that remain unclear. Some local residents speculated that he had come seeking medical attention, while others believed he had a personal vendetta against the hospital staff. The police investigation revealed that Gregorič had not disclosed the presence of firearms during his visit. Security footage captured him entering the building alone, and no prior threats or warnings were recorded. Officers responding to the call found him standing in the hallway, still holding the weapon, before being subdued. He was arrested on the spot and taken into custody. In the aftermath, the hospital faced intense scrutiny. Staff members expressed shock and fear over the incident, many of whom had worked there for years. The facility, located in the small coastal town of Isola, serves as a critical healthcare hub for the region. The tragedy raised concerns about security measures within public institutions, particularly those frequented by individuals with a history of violence. Local authorities have since implemented stricter protocols for handling visitors with potential risks. Police patrols have increased around the hospital, and metal detectors have been installed at entry points. While these changes aim to prevent similar incidents, they have also sparked debates about privacy and the balance between safety and freedom of movement. As of today, more than a decade has passed since the shooting. The memory of the event remains vivid among locals, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unregulated access to weapons and the need for vigilance in public spaces. The names of the victims are remembered in quiet moments, their lives cut short by a single act of violence. The incident continues to shape discussions on crime prevention and community safety in the area.