what we know about the shooting that left 14 dead at a university in the Czech capital

The 24-year-old shooter was found dead at the scene by authorities. He is also suspected of killing his father before the shooting.

A 24-year-old armed man killed 14 people and injured 25 others at the prestigious Charles University in Prague on Thursday, December 21, before being found dead on the spot by the police, authorities announced. The track of “international terrorism” was ruled out, according to Interior Minister Vit Rakusan. Franceinfo looks back on this tragedy which left the Czech capital in mourning.

Fourteen people killed and 25 others injured, “including ten seriously”

The events took place in the historic center of Prague and provoked a massive intervention by heavily armed police, evacuations and warnings inviting the population to stay indoors. The shooting broke out at the Faculty of Arts, located near major tourist sites such as the 14th century Charles Bridge.

According to the latest report communicated by the police, Thursday evening, 14 people died and 25 others were injured, “including ten seriously”. Previously, the police had mentioned “more than 15 dead” during this attack.

The police first searched the building of the Faculty of Arts where the murderer was to attend a class, but the latter went to another building, located nearby, and the police did not find him in time . He was found dead on the spot.

The trail of “international terrorism” ruled out by the authorities

According to Czech police chief Martin Vondrasek, police began searching for the future attacker even before the shooting, after his father was found dead in the village of Hostoun, west of Prague. The shooter, aged 24, “left for Prague saying he wanted to kill himself”, explained the manager to the press. Police had previously suggested the gunman killed his father. According to the first elements of the investigation, relayed by Czech media such as Bleskthe 24-year-old man was the owner of several firearms.

“There is no indication that this crime is linked to international terrorism”, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan told the press. Citing a social media investigation, Martin Vondrasek said the shooter was inspired by a “similar case which occurred in Russia this fall”without going into details. “For the moment, there is nothing to suggest that there is any other imminent danger”he stressed.

Many emotional reactions around the world

It was the most serious shooting since the Czech Republic became an independent state in 1993. The Czech president said he “shocked by these events” : “I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the shooting”declared Petr Pavel, who ends a two-day visit to Paris on Thursday, on.

The head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen immediately sent a message of compassion to the Czechs. “We stand with you and cry with you.”she wrote in her message on. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his “solidarity” with the Czech people.

Many other European leaders, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also expressed their emotion. In Washington, the White House spokesperson assured that “The President (Biden) and the First Lady pray for the families who lost loved ones and all those who were affected by this senseless act of violence”.