“David Kozak: Prague University Shooting Leaves 14 Dead and Raises Campus Safety Concerns”

Chaos erupted at Prague University on Thursday when a student went on a killing spree, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 25 others. This incident marks the worst mass shooting in the history of the Czech Republic. Initially, reports indicated that 15 people were killed and 24 were injured, but the figures were later revised, with the possibility of the death toll rising. The shocking event has raised concerns about campus safety in the country.

The perpetrator responsible for the shooting has been identified as David Kozak, a 24-year-old history student. Kozak unleashed terror in the philosophy department building of Charles University, leaving behind a trail of devastation. The motive behind his actions remains unclear.

During the incident, Kozak was shot dead, sustaining devastating injuries. It is uncertain whether he took his own life or was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the police. Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Kozak had an accomplice.

Who is David Kozak?

Czech Police have described Kozak as an “excellent student” with no previous criminal record. However, it has come to light that he maintained a diary in Russian on the messaging platform Telegram, where he expressed his plans for a school shooting and suicide. Various media reports have also highlighted Kozak’s achievements as an award-winning student at the university.

According to sources, Kozak excelled in his studies as a history student. He completed his undergraduate degree in European history and continued with his master’s studies, focusing on Polish history. Kozak even received the prestigious award of the Polish Institute in Prague for his work on the topic “Problems of the Antagonism of the Galician Peasant and Krakow Uprising of 1846”.

Despite his academic success, Kozak was considered an introverted individual who struggled with mental health issues. He harbored disturbing thoughts, as evident from a chilling post where he expressed his desire to commit a school shooting and possibly suicide. Kozak wrote, “I always wanted to kill. I thought I would become a maniac in the future.” He also praised individuals such as “Ilznaz,” possibly a reference to Ilznaz Galyaviev, who carried out a school shooting in 2021, and 14-year-old Alina Afanaskina, responsible for a recent school shooting in Russia.

The Deadly Shooting in Prague

Clad in black attire and armed with a rifle, Kozak arrived on campus and began indiscriminately shooting at people. Prior to the university shooting, Kozak had also killed his father in his hometown of Hostoun. It is believed that he had intended to take his own life after the rampage. Additionally, the police suspect Kozak’s involvement in another killing on December 15, where a man and his 2-month-old daughter were found dead in Prague. Investigations are ongoing to determine any possible links between the two incidents.

Kozak legally owned several firearms and was heavily armed during the shooting, carrying a significant amount of ammunition. Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek described the act as “well thought out” and a “horrible act.” The shooting took place in Jan Palach Square, a bustling tourist area in Prague’s Old Town.

As gunshots echoed through the air, terrified students and tourists fled the scene, while others sought shelter by crouching beneath a window ledge on the high building. Foreign nationals were among the 14 individuals who lost their lives in the tragic event. The shooting began at 3 pm and the gunman was “eliminated” by elite police units at 4 pm, following a swift operation to secure the area.

In response to the incident, Charles University issued a statement expressing their condolences and mourning the loss of life within their university community. The government has declared a day of mourning on December 23 to honor the victims, as announced during a special cabinet meeting attended by President Petr Pavel. President Pavel expressed deep sadness and anger over the unnecessary loss of young lives.

Gun Crime in the Czech Republic

The shooting at Prague University has drawn condemnation from various leaders across Europe, including French President Emmanuel Macron. The White House also expressed its condolences and offered assistance to the Czech Republic. While gun crime is relatively rare in the country, this incident serves as a reminder of previous tragic events. In December 2019, a gunman killed six people in a hospital waiting room in Ostrava before taking his own life. The worst mass shooting prior to this incident occurred in 2015, when a gunman opened fire in Uhersky Brod, killing eight people before fatally shooting himself.

(With inputs from agencies)

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