DIRECT. Shooting in Prague: the capital’s municipal library evacuated after a bomb threat

Prague municipal library evacuated after bomb threat

According to Czech media, the Prague municipal library was evacuated due to a bomb threat. No information regarding any connection to this afternoon’s shooting has yet been released.

“Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy,” Charles University responds to the shooting

“We deplore the loss of members of our community, express our deepest condolences to all the bereaved and our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy,” the faculty said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“We are now asking everyone to remain calm […] and renew our condolences to all those whose hearts have been broken by the loss of a loved one. More information will be communicated soon as the situation continues to evolve,” Charles University continued.

Volodymyr Zelensky sends his condolences to the families of the victims

“Shocking news of tragic events in Prague. Innocent people were killed and injured. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he said in a message on X (ex-Twitter).

The assailant, David K, was probably armed with a semi-automatic rifle

According to the Czech media Lidové Noviny, the attacker is David K., 24 years old. In footage, he can be seen positioned high up in the university building armed with a rifle, likely an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, and shooting at students.

A “premeditated” act according to the Czech police

Interior Minister Vit Rakusan and Czech police chief Martin Vondrasek spoke at a press conference late in the afternoon. “At 12:45 p.m., police were informed that a 24-year-old man was supposed to leave the village of Hostoun for Prague, claiming he wanted to commit suicide. A dead man was found in the village from which he left, it was the father of the attacker,” announced the police president, specifying that it was a premeditated act.

Ursula Von Der Leyen “shocked”, expresses her condolences to the Czech people

“I am shocked by the senseless violence of the shooting that claimed several lives today in Prague. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Czech people as a whole. We stand by you and cry with you”, wrote the President of the European Commission in a message on X (ex-Twitter).

The Czech president “shocked by the events”

Petr Pavel said he was “shocked” by the shooting at Charles University in Prague. “I would like to express my deep regret and sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the shooting,” said on X (ex-Twitter) the Czech head of state who today ends a two-day visit to Paris.

Shooting not linked to terrorism, minister announces

The killing that occurred in the afternoon has no apparent link with “international terrorism,” said Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan.

The most tragic shooting in the country’s history

A few hours after the shooting which struck the heart of Prague, the toll is heavy. According to local media, it is the most tragic killing in the history of the Czech Republic in terms of number of victims with 10 dead and several dozen injured.

10 dead and 11 seriously injured according to emergency services

According to an initial report communicated by the emergency services, a total of 24 people were injured in the shooting. “We treated 11 seriously injured, 8 moderately injured and 5 lightly injured. All patients are already transported by teams to hospitals in Prague. The last patient left the scene by ambulance at 4:56 p.m.,” the emergency service said. Prague medical ambulance on X (ex-Twitter). The latter also confirmed the toll showing 10 deaths.

The attacker, a student, first killed his father and attempted to plant a bomb in a village

According to the Czech media Lidové Noviny , the shooter was a 24-year-old Czech history student. The young man, who suffers from psychological disorders, first killed his father in his native village where he also planted a homemade bomb which failed. The police then issued an arrest warrant against the individual, who was armed and dangerous. The attacker then headed towards the university, where he opened fire on students.

Elisabeth Borne expresses her “emotion” after the fatal shooting

The Prime Minister expressed France’s “emotion” and “solidarity” after the deadly shooting which “hit the Czech people hard” in a Prague faculty.

“I spoke with Czech President (Petr) Pavel, and I express to him personally, on behalf of my government, and I have no doubt, on behalf of all of us, my support and my solidarity,” he said. she declared to the National Assembly.