After the dramatic gun attack on Charles University in Prague on Thursday, the question of why remains. The sad result so far: 14 people have died and many have been injured.
A criminal investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances, said responsible prosecutor Lenka Bradacova. The suspected shooter is also dead. It is still unclear whether the student committed suicide or was killed by the police. The autopsy of the body should provide clarity.
The young man opened fire in the main building of Charles University’s Faculty of Arts on Thursday afternoon. According to the latest information, 25 people were injured by the hail of bullets, ten of whom were seriously to life-threatening. They were taken to various hospitals in the Czech capital. Before the bloody act, the gunman is said to have killed his father in his home in the municipality of Hostoun, west of Prague.
Connection to double murder a week ago?
There is still uncertainty about a possible motive. According to Police Chief Martin Vondrasek, one hypothesis by investigators is that the 24-year-old could also have been responsible for a double homicide a week ago. A father and his young daughter were apparently shot for no reason in a forest on the outskirts of Prague. The case caused horror in the Czech Republic.
No evidence of a terrorist background
Prime Minister Petr Fiala now emphasized that there is no evidence of a terrorist background. The liberal-conservative cabinet met late on Thursday evening in Prague for an emergency meeting, which was also attended by President Petr Pavel. On December 23, a one-day national mourning was declared across the country. Pavel warned against using the tragedy to prematurely criticize the police or spread false information. He had cut short a visit to France to quickly return to Prague.
Numerous heads of state and government and other top politicians from home and abroad expressed their condolences. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Karl Nehammer and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (both ÖVP) seemed “shocked” at X. “In these painful hours, our thoughts are with the people of the Czech Republic, the families and friends of the victims,” wrote Van der Bellen.
Huge sympathy
UN Secretary-General António Guterres was also “shocked and saddened” by the incident at Charles University, according to his spokesman. He expressed his deep condolences to the families of those who died on Friday evening and wished the injured a speedy and full recovery.
European Commission President Ursula told X she was “shocked by the senseless violence that claimed several lives in Prague today.” She also expressed her condolences. The White House condemned the “senseless” violence. French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed their “shock” and “solidarity”. Borne said he spoke to Pavel about the attack; the Czech president was wrapping up a visit to France on Thursday.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
