Mass Shooting in Prague Leaves 13 Dead, Including Gunman, and 25 Injured

PRAGUE — A horrific mass shooting unfolded in downtown Prague, resulting in the tragic loss of 13 lives, including the gunman, and leaving at least 25 individuals injured. The Czech police have confirmed that the individual responsible for the shooting is deceased.

The perpetrator, identified as a 24-year-old student from Charles University’s faculty of arts, carried out the killing spree within the university premises. The authorities have not disclosed the names or specific details of the victims, but it has been revealed that three of the injured individuals were foreign nationals, with two hailing from Saudi Arabia and one from the Netherlands.

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan stated during a radio interview on Friday that the police have positively identified all 13 victims. Shockingly, all the victims were classmates of the gunman and were tragically killed inside the university.

According to the police, the shooter, partially identified as David K, subsequently died by suicide after the rampage. It was later discovered that the authorities were unaware of his possession of a “huge arsenal of weapons and ammunition.” The swift response by the police prevented further carnage, as revealed by police chief Martin Vondrasek.

It has been reported that the 24-year-old assailant drew inspiration from “a similar terrible event abroad.” The investigators are currently working diligently to determine the motive behind this devastating incident, although the police have stated that it is not believed to be an act of terrorism.

Before the shooting took place, the police had already been searching for David K. due to his father being found dead in the village of Hostoun, located west of the capital. The circumstances surrounding his father’s death and any potential involvement by the student remain unclear.

The chief of police disclosed that David K. had left for Prague with the intention of taking his own life. The Czech President, Petr Pavel, emphasized that the killings should not be politicized or contribute to the spread of misinformation. He called for national unity while expressing his “helpless anger” towards the incident.

While the police have assured that there is no longer any immediate danger, they will continue to closely monitor vulnerable locations, including schools, on Friday. Furthermore, a national day of mourning has been scheduled for Saturday to honor the victims.

The shocking shooting spree commenced at approximately 15:00 local time on Thursday, and within twenty minutes, the police discovered the shooter’s lifeless body. Eyewitnesses recounted that the gunman indiscriminately fired upon individuals in the university’s corridors and classrooms.

Upon the start of the shooting, the police officers who were already present at the scene swiftly sealed off the area and urged people to evacuate the surrounding streets and take shelter indoors. Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda confirmed the evacuation of the university’s philosophy department.

The initial search conducted by the officers focused on the building where the gunman was expected to be attending class, which was followed by a thorough search of the main building where the tragic shooting unfolded.

When the police responded to the shooting, the assailant was positioned on the roof. Upon realizing that he was surrounded by officers, he proceeded to take his own life, reportedly falling off the roof in the process.

Reports indicate that the police had received prior information regarding an imminent attack at the university. Disturbing images purportedly of the shooter have circulated on social media, showing a man dressed in black standing on a balcony while holding a rifle equipped with a scope. One student even shared an image of their classroom door barricaded to keep the shooter out.

Police chief Vondrasek revealed that the authorities suspect the shooter of being responsible for the murder of a young man and his two-month-old daughter, who were fatally attacked while on a walk in a forest in Prague’s eastern suburbs on December 15.

Amidst the chaos, a student trapped inside their classroom in Prague shared their harrowing experience on social media, expressing their hopes of making it out alive while waiting to be evacuated.

Addressing the public, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan reassured citizens that no additional assailants were present at the scene and urged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation. The affected square remains cordoned off, and the police have advised citizens to adhere to safety measures.

Out of the 25 people who sustained injuries during the attack, nine are currently in critical condition. Pavel Nedoma, the director of the Rudolfinum Gallery, situated in the same square, reported witnessing the assailant firing shots from a window towards the nearby Manes bridge, which spans the Vltava River.

In response to this tragic incident, Prime Minister Petr Fiala promptly cancelled his scheduled events and is en route to Prague, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the aftermath of this heart-wrenching tragedy. — Euronews