The heart of Prague was shattered today as a lone gunman, armed with a sniper rifle, unleashed an hour-long shooting spree at the prestigious Charles University Faculty of Arts.
The horrific incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, resulted in at least 15 lives lost and dozens more injured, marking one of the worst mass shootings in the history of the Czech Republic.
Gunman’s Rampage:
The assailant, a 24-year-old student at Charles University, strategically picked off victims from the rooftop, causing chaos and panic in the city.
The shooting spree, which commenced at around 2:30 pm local time, led to a swift response from the police and left the university’s philosophy department building, where the majority of the bloodshed occurred, in a state of terror.
Chronology of Events:
Reports of the unfolding attack surfaced in the early afternoon, preceded by an earlier incident in a small town ten miles away, where the gunman’s father was found dead at 12:45 pm.
The shooter’s identity remains undisclosed, but videos circulating online captured the frantic scenes as people fled from the University’s Faculty of Arts building and the adjacent Charles Bridge.
Campus Lockdown:
As the philosophy department was evacuated, students found themselves barricading in classrooms, clinging to windowsills, and seeking refuge from the relentless gunfire.
Eyewitnesses within the building described the black-clad gunman methodically targeting individuals both inside and outside, amplifying the terror that gripped the iconic Jan Palach Square.
Police Response:
Elite police officers swiftly responded to the unfolding tragedy, storming the university building within 12 minutes of the initial reports.
Armed police were seen entering the facility and eventually reaching the rooftop where the shooter had been firing.
Dramatic footage showed the gunman surrendering after throwing his weapon down onto the street below.
End of the Siege:
The hour-long ordeal came to an end at approximately 3:20 pm, with confirmation that the gunman’s body was found on the sidewalk below the school building.
Details emerged that the shooter, a student at the Faculty of Philosophy, had planned to give a lecture at 2 pm on the day of the tragic events.
The aftermath revealed the devastating toll on the victims, with more than 15 lives lost and several others suffering injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts:
Survivors and witnesses, both within and near the university, shared their harrowing experiences on social media.
Students trapped inside classrooms tweeted about their prayers for survival, barricaded doors, and the terrifying moments when the shooter attempted to gain entry.
The emotional impact of the incident on those present was palpable in their desperate pleas for evacuation and safety.
International Perspectives:
A newlywed British couple, on their honeymoon in Prague, found themselves near the scene.
Their account of being ordered to stay down by a police officer and the subsequent hour spent in a nearby museum highlighted the unexpected and surreal nature of the situation.
The international resonance of the tragedy was further underscored by their shock and relief.
Leaders’ Reactions:
Czech President Petr Pavel expressed shock and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Interior Minister Vit Rakusan emphasized that no other assailant was present but urged cooperation with the police.
The aftermath of this senseless act of violence prompts reflection on the need for enhanced security measures and the resilience of a community grappling with a profound tragedy.