At least 14 people died and 25 others were wounded when a shooter attacked them at a university in Czech Republic’s Prague city on Thursday (December 21, 2023).
It is one of the worst terror attacks witnessed by the Czech Republic in decades.
Authorities believe the gunman, a 24-year-old man, died by suicide, Czech Police Chief Martin Vondrášek told CNN, but added it had not yet been confirmed.
The gunman, who police said was a student of the Faculty of Arts at Charles University, has not been formally identified because of the severity of his injuries, the chief said.
Police have not named him so far.
Authorities are still investigating the motive of the attack.
The shooter travelled to Prague from his hometown village of Hostouň, the police chief was quoted as saying by CNN.
Graduate student Jakob Weizman told CNN he was in a classroom with his professor when they heard what sounded like gunshots and screams.
The 25-year-old said he locked the door and with his professor, began pushing furniture against it to create a barricade.
“After I made the barricade and locked the door, I hid under the desk and I was preparing myself for anything that could happen,” Weizman told the American news channel.
“I did not know if (the shooter) was going to come through the door or from the window,” he said.
He took down the barricade only when police arrived, he said.
Authorities escorted him down and out of the building, the student told CNN he saw blood on each floor.
“It was very traumatizing,” he said.
Reactions
Czech President Petr Pavel condoled the loss of lives in the incident.
He posted on X: “I am shocked by the events at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims that the shooting claimed. I want to thank the citizens for respecting the instructions of the security forces and providing maximum cooperation.”
The country will observe a day of mourning on Saturday for those killed in the shooting incident.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala posted on X: “I am extremely sorry for everyone who fell victim to the inexcusable attack on the Faculty of Arts at the Charles University. My deepest condolences to their loved ones and friends.”
US President Joe Biden described the incident as ‘senseless’.
He wrote on X: “My heart is with those who lost their lives in today’s senseless shooting in Prague, those injured, and the Czech people. Our authorities are in touch with Czech law enforcement, and we stand ready to offer additional support if needed.”