'Worst Mass Shooting in History' at Czech University... At Least 15 Dead

On the 21st (local time), a shooting incident occurred at the prestigious Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, resulting in at least 15 deaths and over 20 people sustaining serious injuries. The shooter was a student of Charles University who fell from the roof during a standoff with the police and took his own life.

Martin Bondracek, the police chief, stated at a press conference that "15 people have died and 24 have been seriously injured due to the shooting," adding, "There are also those with severe injuries, so the number of casualties may increase," according to Czech news agency CTK and others.

Major foreign media reported that this incident is recorded as the worst mass shooting in Czech history. The shooting took place at the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University, located near Jan Palach Square, a representative landmark of Prague close to the Charles Bridge.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Local media reported that the shooter stayed last on the roof of the Faculty of Philosophy building and died after falling from the roof. One foreign news outlet said, "It is highly likely that the shooter took his own life, but authorities are also investigating the possibility that he died during the standoff with the police."

The Czech police posted on social media platform X around 4 p.m. that day, stating, "The shooter has been neutralized," and "There are multiple fatalities at the scene, and dozens of injured. The entire building is currently being evacuated."

The 24-year-old male shooter reportedly announced his intention to take his own life while leaving his hometown and heading to Prague that afternoon, according to the police. Czech police also discovered the body of the shooter's father in their hometown and are investigating whether this is related to the shooter’s actions. The police stated that there is currently no evidence of accomplices.

The police have cordoned off the area around the incident site. They urged, "Citizens should avoid staying near the scene and refrain from leaving their homes." A large number of rescue teams and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene.

Founded in 1348, Charles University is one of the oldest universities in Europe, with approximately 49,500 enrolled students. Czech President Petr Pavel expressed, "I am shocked by the incident that occurred at the Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University," and "I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims of the shooting."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.