The Czech Republic observed a nationwide minute of silence at noon on Saturday in memory of the victims of the country’s worst mass shooting. This tragedy, which occurred at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts in Prague, left 14 people dead and 25 wounded.
Quick Read
Here are some key aspects of this somber event:
- Nationwide Mourning: National flags were flown at half-staff, and bells tolled across the country as people paused to remember the victims.
- Memorial Service: A Mass for the victims was held at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, attended by prominent figures including President Petr Pavel and parliamentary leaders. The cathedral was filled with those paying their respects.
- Impact on the Community: Statements from religious and educational leaders highlighted the shock and grief felt by the community. Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner and Charles University rector Milena Kralickova spoke about the need for support and solidarity during this difficult time.
- Details of the Shooting: The incident occurred inside the university’s Faculty of Arts. The 24-year-old gunman, who was a student at the Faculty of Arts, also reportedly killed his father earlier on the day of the university shooting and was linked to the deaths of a man and a baby in Prague the previous week.
- Victims Identified: Among the fatalities were two university staff members and several students, including a first-year student and a talented athlete. The identities of the victims are being gradually confirmed by various sources.
- Investigation Ongoing: The shooter, who took his own life, is not believed to be linked to any extremist ideology or groups. Authorities think he acted alone, but the motive behind the attack is still unclear.
- Historical Context: This mass shooting surpasses a previous incident in 2015 in Uhersky Brod as the nation’s worst, in terms of fatalities.
This tragic event has profoundly impacted the Czech Republic, uniting the nation in grief and bringing to the forefront discussions on public safety and community support.
The Associated Press has the story:
Czech Republic marks a day of mourning for victims of its worst mass killing
Newslooks- PRAGUE (AP)
The Czech Republic came to a standstill at noon Saturday as people across the country observed a minute of silence for the victims of its worst mass killing that left 14 dead and questions about the shooter’s motive.
National flags on public buildings flew at half-staff and bells tolled at noon. President Petr Pavel and speakers of both houses of Parliament attended a Mass for the victims at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, the country’s biggest, which was packed.
“We’re all still in a shock in our own ways,” Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner said. “We need to clearly condemn what happened but we also need to look into the future.”
“Nobody should be left alone in these tough moments,” Charles University rector Milena Kralickova said in her remarks toward the end of the Mass. The shooting occurred inside the university’s Faculty of Arts on Thursday. Twenty-five other people were wounded before the gunman killed himself.
Police and prosecutors said they have evidence the 24-year-old shooter also killed his father earlier in the day and a man and a baby in Prague last week.
Similar religious services were held in other cities and towns, while Christmas markets in a number of places were closed or reduced their programs amid boosted security measures.
A sea of candles was shining at an impromptu memorial for the victims in front of the university headquarters.
“It’s been a horrible experience for us all but it still can’t be compared with what the victims had to experience at the time of the attack and what their dear ones have to experience now,” said Milos Vystrcil, speaker of the Senate who came to light a candle.
“I think that to help them at this point we express our support and that’s what we’re all doing now.”
The 14 fatalities are being slowly identified. The university confirmed two staff members were among them, including the head of the Institute of Music Sciences, Lenka Hlávková. First-year student Lucie Špindlerová also was killed, said the Lidove noviny daily, where she worked.
Among the other students were Aneta Richterová, according to her group of volunteer firefighters in the town of Helichovky; Klára Holcová, 20, a talented shot putter who won nine medals at national championships, the Czech athletics association said; and Magdalena Křístková, her hometown of Roztoky confirmed.
The shooter was Czech and a student at the Faculty of Arts. Investigators do not suspect a link to any extremist ideology or groups. Officials said they believed he acted alone but his motive is not yet clear.
Previously, the nation’s worst mass shooting was in 2015, when a gunman opened fire in the southeastern town of Uhersky Brod, killing eight before fatally shooting himself.
