A tragic incident unfolded in the Czech capital Prague as at least 14 people lost their lives in a shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, according to statements from Czech Police President Martin Vondrasek during a press briefing on Thursday evening. An additional 25 people were injured, with 10 in serious condition. Vondrasek emphasized the swift police intervention, preventing even more casualties.
The police discovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition within the faculty building. Vondrasek expressed gratitude for the police response, stating, "Had it not been for the quick intervention of the police, there would have been many more victims." Earlier reports had suggested over 15 fatalities and at least 24 injuries.
The identity of the victims is still under investigation, with one confirmed to be a foreigner. The assailant has been eliminated, and police are working to establish the motive behind the attack.
According to the Czech News Agency (CTK), local police received information about a young man from Hostoun planning self-harm in Prague. Shortly after, the young man's father was found dead in Hostoun, prompting the police to consider the son a suspect. The shooter was reportedly scheduled to give a lecture at the Faculty of Arts building, leading to an evacuation. However, the shooting occurred in another building at Jan Palach Square.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala indicated that, based on current information, the incident appears to be the act of a lone gunman, ruling out international terrorism or organized group involvement. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan echoed this sentiment, describing the shooting as a "terrible act" unprecedented in the country's history and stating that there is no indication of a connection to international terrorism.
(With Agency Inputs)
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