In a tragic incident on Thursday, a gunman launched an attack inside a university in the heart of Prague, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and over 20 injuries, marking it as the most devastating mass shooting in the history of the Czech Republic. This was confirmed by police and emergency services.
The shooting occurred at Charles University’s philosophy department, where the assailant, a student of the university, was later found dead. The identity of the gunman has not been disclosed.
Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek updated the casualty figures in the evening, noting 14 deaths and 25 injuries. This differed from earlier reports of 15 deceased and 24 injured, with no explanation provided for the discrepancy. The possibility of an increase in the death toll remains.
The shooting, which took place near the Vltava River in Jan Palach Square, has left authorities puzzled about the motive, and there is no evidence linking the incident to extremist ideologies or groups. Vit Rakusan, the Czech Interior Minister, emphasized this lack of connection to extremist elements.
Earlier in the day, the gunman is believed to have killed his father in Hostoun, near Prague. Vondrasek revealed that the shooter had also planned to commit suicide. Further investigations linked the gunman to the murders of another man and his two-month-old daughter on December 15 in eastern Prague.
Described as an exemplary student with no criminal past, the shooter’s background remains largely undisclosed. The circumstances of his death are unclear, with doubts about whether he committed suicide or was killed during an exchange of gunfire with police. No evidence suggests the involvement of an accomplice.
The shooter, who legally owned multiple firearms and carried substantial ammunition, seemed to have meticulously planned the attack, according to police.
Charles University announced immediate security enhancements in its buildings in response to the tragedy, expressing profound grief for the lives lost and extending condolences to the bereaved and affected parties.
The shooting site, a popular tourist spot in Prague’s Old Town near iconic landmarks, experienced a stark shift from its usual vibrancy to a scene of chaos and fear.
The Czech government, seeking to calm international concerns, assured that the massacre was not connected to foreign terrorism. Leaders from various countries, including the United States, conveyed their condolences and support.
The Czech government convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis. This incident surpasses the 2015 Uhersky Brod shooting, previously the nation’s deadliest mass shooting.
The typically bustling area was overtaken by police and emergency response teams, with videos capturing the evacuation and panic among the people. Witnesses, including a diving instructor who initially doubted the reality of the situation, recounted the shock and horror of the moment.
