Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires, witnessed a chilling tragedy on Thursday afternoon. A lone gunman unleashed a rampage inside the Charles University philosophy department, claiming the lives of 14 people and injuring over 20 others.
The attack, initially mistaken for fireworks, plunged the heart of the Czech capital into a state of stunned disbelief.
Details about the perpetrator, identified as a 24-year-old student, emerged throughout the evening. Authorities believe he killed his father before embarking on the shooting spree, raising suspicions of a long-brewing, deeply personal motive.
Reports also surfaced of two additional victims, a man and his infant child, killed east of Prague days before the university attack, possibly by the same hand.
"This was a well-planned, horrific act," declared police chief Martin Vondrasek, the weight of the tragedy evident in his voice. He confirmed that the shooter legally owned multiple firearms, casting light on the ease with which such lethal force could be wielded.
Chaos erupted inside the university when shots rang out shortly after 3 pm. Students scrambled for cover, professors froze in horror, and the iconic Charles Bridge witnessed panicked screams echoing across the Vltava River. The university released a statement expressing profound grief and support for the victims and their families.
Petr Nedoma, director of the nearby Rudolfinum Gallery, recounted witnessing the chilling scene unfold. He described seeing the young gunman firing relentlessly towards the Manes Bridge before discarding his weapon and surrendering. Witness testimonies like these painted a grim picture of the senseless violence that shattered the city's peace.
Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda expressed his devastation with a heartfelt tweet: "No words... only sadness." He assured citizens of their safety while acknowledging the unprecedented scale of the tragedy. He vowed not to let evil prevail and expressed deepest condolences to those affected.
This attack stands in stark contrast to the Czech Republic's historically low gun violence rates. The last mass shooting, in 2015, claimed 8 lives, and the country hasn't seen more than 10 firearms-related deaths in a year since 2014. This senseless loss has left Prague and the world grappling with questions about gun control, mental health, and the fragility of safety in seemingly peaceful places.
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