Prague: In a tragic turn of events on Thursday, a gunman carried out a fatal shooting at a university building in central Prague, resulting in several casualties. The Czech police, in a swift and decisive response, successfully neutralized the assailant, initiating the evacuation of the affected building.Immediate response and ongoing evacuationThe Czech police promptly communicated the incident on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the elimination of the gunman. Their statement read, The gunman was eliminated!!! The building is currently being evacuated, and there are several dead and dozens of wounded people on the scene. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the ongoing evacuation efforts.Vyzýváme občany, aby se v blízkém okolí nezdržovali a nevycházeli z domu. Zásah policie stále pokračuje. pic.twitter.com/OHnSsq4G5f— Policie ČR (@PolicieCZ) December 21, 2023Urgent appeal to citizensUrging citizens to prioritize safety, the Czech Police, in a subsequent X post, stated, The shooter has been eliminated!!! The entire building is currently being evacuated, and there are several dead and dozens of injured. We urge citizens not to stay in the immediate vicinity and not to leave the house. This plea reflects the gravity of the incident and the need for the public to exercise caution.Interior Minister says no moreAccording to reports from Czech media, gunfire took place at the Charles University Faculty of Arts. Teachers and students at the institution were advised to secure themselves indoors as the police were engaged in their operations.The privately-owned Nova TV mentioned an explosion and a gunman located on the roof of a building in the historic centre of Prague.Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, speaking on Czech TV, assured the public that no additional gunman had been verified. He urged individuals to adhere to the instructions provided by the police.In response to the incident, the police cordoned off the affected area and requested residents living in proximity to remain indoors for their safety.Police intervention at Náměstí Jan PalachThe incident occurred at Náměstí Jan Palach, with the police swiftly responding to a reported shooting at a school. All components of the Integrated Rescue System (IZS) were mobilized and dispatched to the location. The authorities committed to providing more information as soon as possible, acknowledging the severity of the situation.Closure of Náměstí Jan Palach, surrounding areasAs the police intervention unfolded, the entire Náměstí Jan Palach and its surrounding area were completely closed off. This measure was taken to facilitate an unimpeded response to the incident. The police emphasized that, based on initial information, there were both dead and injured individuals at the scene.In the wake of this tragic incident, Prague faces a somber reality, mourning the lives lost and grappling with the aftermath. The authorities continue their efforts to provide updates and maintain public safety in the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.
