Prague, Czech Republic – A deadly shooting at Charles University in Prague has left at least 14 people dead and 25 others injured, according to officials. The incident occurred on Thursday when a student opened fire at the university’s Faculty of Arts building. Harrowing images emerged, showing frightened young individuals seeking refuge on the building’s scaffolding. The shooting marks the Czech Republic’s most devastating mass shooting to date.
Authorities swiftly responded to the tragic event, which took place in the popular tourist destination of Old Town. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old David Kozák by local media, died at the scene in what authorities believe was likely a suicide. Although the motive and details regarding the victims remain undisclosed, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan stated that there is no suspected link to any extremist ideologies or groups.
Investigations have revealed that the shooter may have also killed his father earlier that day in his hometown of Hostoun, located west of Prague. Police Chief Martin Vondrasek said the shooter was a student in the philosophy department of Charles University and described him as an excellent student with no criminal record. Police gave no details about the victims or a possible motive for the country’s worst-ever mass shooting.
Reports suggest that the shooter was in possession of several firearms and that a Telegram account under Kozák’s name contained troubling posts expressing hate and a desire to cause pain. The last post, dated December 19, alluded to auditory hallucinations and a desire to escape the distress.
The mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, expressed his shock at the incident, highlighting the emerging problem of individual shooters. Meanwhile, witnesses at the scene described chaotic scenes, with police vehicles and sirens surrounding the campus building. Social media posts documented the fear and desperation felt by those affected, including one journalist who praised surviving a locked classroom encounter with the shooter.
As the investigation continues, Prime Minister Petr Fiala canceled his scheduled events and headed to Prague. The Czech Republic now struggles with the aftermath of the tragic loss of innocent lives.