A devastating incident transpired in the heart of Prague's downtown capital, where more than 15 individuals lost their lives, and approximately 20 others suffered injuries in a mass shooting at Charles University's Faculty of Arts. The Czech Police have confirmed that the assailant responsible for the tragedy has been neutralized. However, specific details regarding the identities of both the victims and the shooter have not been disclosed, with the casualty count encompassing the eliminated perpetrator.
The police issued statements emphasizing ongoing evacuation procedures, with the entire building being cleared, and pyrotechnic inspections are currently underway to ensure the safety and security of the premises. The tragic incident occurred near Prague's Old Town, a significant tourist spot, particularly at Charles University's Faculty of Arts.
Authorities utilized social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), to provide updates on the evacuation process, noting that students had sought refuge by locking themselves inside classrooms in response to the mass shooting on campus. The police urged citizens to avoid the immediate vicinity and stay indoors, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their intervention.
Initially, the police reported a shooting in downtown Prague, citing an unspecified number of casualties and injuries. The affected area was cordoned off, and residents were advised to vacate the surrounding streets and seek shelter indoors. The police confirmed the presence of both deceased and injured individuals at the site based on preliminary information.
Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan informed local media that the individual responsible for the shooting was deceased, with no additional gunmen confirmed at the scene, eliminating any further imminent danger. He called for cooperation from the local community. Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda reported the evacuation of the philosophy department at Charles University, situated in the square, and emphasized the sealing off of the area by law enforcement. The incident unfolded in a location central to both education and tourism, underscoring the profound impact of such tragic events on a community.
