Czech Republic Declares National Day of Mourning following Prague University Shooting

Prague Mourns Victims of University Shooting

Following the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Arts building belonging to Prague’s Charles University, the Czech Republic observed a day of mourning to honor the victims. Two days after the incident, flags flew at half mast and bells tolled at noon. The public joined in a minute of silence for those who lost their lives. A requiem was held at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, attended by President Petr Pavel and chaired by Prague Archbishop Jan Graubner. The church was filled with mourners, and hymns and speeches were shared.

Later in the day, an ecumenical prayer and moment of silence were scheduled at the Church of St. Martin in the Wall. President Pavel expressed his condolences and gratitude for the worldwide support received via social media, emphasizing the unimaginable fear and mental strain endured by the victims and survivors.

As authorities launched a police investigation into the shocking crime, the names of the victims had not yet been released. However, it was confirmed that two staff members from the university and an employee from Lidove Noviny daily, who was a first-year student, were among those killed. Additionally, three foreign nationals were injured, including two from the United Arab Emirates and one from the Netherlands.

Police stated that the gunman acted alone and had no connections to international terrorism. It was revealed that the gunman had allegedly killed his father earlier that day. Furthermore, investigators are looking into the gunman’s potential involvement in a forest murder on December 15, as the weapon used in that incident matched a gun found at the shooter’s residence.

While gun deaths are less common in the Czech Republic compared to the United States, the gunman legally owned multiple firearms. The country has relatively lenient gun laws but requires individuals to pass tests, undergo background checks and health clearances. Ownership can be revoked over mental health concerns. These measures were implemented after a previous mass shooting in 2015, which claimed eight lives.

As the community continues to grapple with the tragedy, support systems are being established. An emergency helpline has been set up by the police to assist the relatives of the students affected. Charles University is offering psychological support and counseling, as well as accepting donations through its foundation to aid the victims’ families, students, and teachers. The Prague Archbishop has also established a hotline for spiritual guidance.

The Czech Foreign Ministry has created an electronic book of condolences for people worldwide to send messages of support to kondolence@mzv.gov.cz.