The Czech Republic has announced a day of mourning in the wake of a tragic shooting incident that occurred in Prague, the capital city. The shooting transpired at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts, where a student opened fire on Thursday. The gunman targeted the fourth floor of the philosophy department building, resulting in a devastating loss of lives. In response to the incident, global leaders have extended their condolences, and authorities have heightened security measures in schools and other public spaces.

The shooter, identified as a 24-year-old student, initiated the violence after fatally shooting his father in Hostoun, located just west of Prague. Subsequently, he carried out a deadly rampage in the Czech capital, claiming the lives of 14 individuals and injuring 25 others, including three foreign nationals. Among the deceased, 13 victims have been identified, with authorities cautioning that the death toll may escalate. This incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the Czech Republic.

The alleged perpetrator, described as a high-achieving student with no prior criminal record, was found dead at the scene. Prague Police Chief Martin Vondrasek revealed that a search of the suspect’s home implicated him in another crime, suspecting his involvement in the killing of a man and his two-month-old daughter in Prague on December 15. The circumstances surrounding the shooter’s demise are under investigation, with authorities examining whether he was killed by police or if he died by suicide. It was also revealed that the suspect legally owned multiple firearms and was armed during the attack.