Calay News
In a horrifying incident, a 24-year-old man fatally shot 14 people at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague before being neutralized by the police, as reported by Czech authorities. The shooting, which occurred in the historic center of the city near landmarks like Charles Bridge, was not deemed an “international terrorist” attack.
Interior Minister Vit Rakusan emphasized that there is no indication of any connection to international terrorism. The latest police update reported at least 14 casualties and 25 injuries, revising an earlier count of 15 deaths. During the shooting, the area was cordoned off, with residents urged to stay indoors and faculty members and students advised to remain locked down.
The Czech police confirmed that the assailant had been “eliminated.” Interior Minister Rakusan stated that there was no “confirmed” presence of “any other attackers” and urged the public to follow police instructions.
The police had been searching for the attacker after discovering his deceased father in the village of Hostoun, west of Prague. The assailant had reportedly left for Prague, expressing suicidal intentions. Security forces attempted to locate him in a building at the Faculty of Arts but were unable to prevent the shooting.
The attack lasted just over 20 minutes, around 2:00 PM GMT. Czech police chief Martin Vondrasek revealed that the perpetrator had drawn inspiration from “a similar case this fall in Russia.” He assured me that there is currently no indication of another imminent threat.
The incident, which left Praguers shocked, represents the deadliest shooting since the Czech Republic’s split from Slovakia in 1993. Global leaders, including those from France and the United States, expressed condolences and condemned the senseless act of violence.
