Panicked students hang off edge of building to hide from gunman who opened fire at university
A chilling photograph has captured the aftermath of a mass shooting at Charles University in Prague. The perpetrator, identified as David Kozak, a student at the university, opened fire at the Faculty of Arts building on December 21. Disturbing videos circulating online depict individuals fleeing the scene in a state of panic, marking the Czech Republic’s deadliest mass shooting.
The tragedy unfolded around 3 pm local time, with Kozak claiming the lives of at least 14 people and leaving 25 others injured. According to reports from the BBC, the police confirmed that Kozak ultimately took his own life upon realizing that law enforcement had surrounded him.
Authorities suspect Kozak’s involvement in another shooting in his hometown of Hostoun, near Prague, where his father was killed. After searching his residence, the police believe he may have also been responsible for the murder of another man and his two-month-old daughter on December 15.
Despite being described as an excellent student with no prior criminal record, Kozak, a philosophy department student at Charles University, owned several firearms. There is no evidence linking him to terrorist groups.
During the harrowing incident, witnesses captured the terrifying moments when students clung to the edge of a balcony for their lives at the Faculty of Arts building.
In the aftermath, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and support on social media, acknowledging the importance of such solidarity in difficult times. Fiala emphasized the ongoing investigation, stating, “An investigation is ongoing at this time, and it is in everyone’s interest to clarify and investigate the smallest details of what happened yesterday and what led up to it.”
In response to potential copycat incidents, Prague police have implemented nationwide preventative measures for soft targets and schools. They issued a warning about individuals reportedly inspired by Kozak’s actions and urged the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 158 for an immediate response.