Prague was left reeling after a devastating shooting rampage that claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals and wounded numerous others at Charles University's central campus. The assailant, identified as a 24-year-old philosophy student, launched the attack, sending shockwaves across the Czech Republic and Europe.
Here's a detailed account of what has unfolded:
1. Shooting Details:
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At least 14 people lost their lives, and approximately 25 others sustained injuries of varying severity during the attack at the philosophy building of Charles University.
- The police responded to the situation and confirmed the elimination of the shooter, who was a 24-year-old student at the university.
2. Evacuation Efforts:
- Students sought safety, with some locking themselves in classrooms. Police continued evacuating individuals as the situation unfolded.
- A distressing photo surfaced on social media showing students climbing out of classroom windows and onto ledges in a bid to escape the violence outside the Faculty of Arts building during the shooting.
3. Reactions and Mourning:
- Leaders across Europe expressed shock and offered condolences to the Czech Republic. Presidents and prime ministers condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
- Czech leaders, including President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, expressed shock and offered condolences to the affected families. European Union leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, joined in denouncing the senseless violence.
- Charles University cancelled events, tightened security, and extended psychological support to those affected. The Czech Republic announced a day of national mourning. The university in a bustling tourist area cancelled all scheduled events and classes after the incident.
4. Investigation Insights:
- Authorities received prior tips about the suspected shooter's intent to harm himself and his travel from his hometown to Prague. Tragically, the suspected shooter's father was found dead in the suspect's hometown.
- The police were aware of the suspect's presence at the university and had evacuated a building where his lecture was scheduled.
5. Firearm Details and Response:
- The suspected shooter, who possessed multiple weapons, held a legal gun permit operating within the legal framework of the Czech Republic's firearm regulations.
- The Czech Republic's relatively lenient gun laws permit firearm ownership following strict procedures such as medical checks, proficiency exams, and no criminal record.
- Police, acknowledging the severity of the incident, revised the casualty count as the investigation progressed and provided medical care to the wounded.
6. Survivor Accounts:
- Witnesses, like Jakob Weizman, a graduate student, shared harrowing experiences of barricading themselves in classrooms and the emotional aftermath of the ordeal.
- Students struggled to escape, some resorting to climbing out of windows to seek safety during the chaos.
7. Impact and Mourning:
- The shooting's aftermath prompted the Czech Republic to declare a national day of mourning, offering a collective moment to honour the victims.
- Flags were flown at half-staff, and bells tolled nationwide in remembrance.
The incident, marked by devastating loss and trauma, continues to prompt reflections on security measures, gun laws, and societal responses to such heinous acts, as the nation mourns and struggles to comprehend the inexplicable tragedy at Charles University in Prague.
Image Source: X/CNN
(With inputs from agencies)
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