Prague was rocked by a devastating mass shooting at the Charles University Faculty of Arts, as a student opened fire in the philosophy department building. At least 14 people were killed, and over 20 were injured in the attack, which also left the gunman dead. Investigators do not suspect a link to any extremist ideology or groups, and believe the shooter had also killed his father earlier in the day and had been planning to kill himself. The chief of the Prague Police described the shooter as an excellent student with no criminal record, who legally owned several guns and had been heavily armed during the attack.

First ever mass shooting reported in Prague today. News reporting that a lone gunman shot/injured 20 people at the charles university, several may be dead, and then took his own life. Its hard to imagine such a tragedy in a peaceful place like Prague during the crowded winter…

— Sean Fitzgerald (@SeanFitz37) December 21, 2023

University authorities have tightened security measures in response to the tragedy, which took place near the Vltava River in the city's Old Town. The building forms part of a busy tourist area, where tourists, students, and others would normally be enjoying the view of iconic monuments. However, police vehicles and ambulances sped through the streets with their sirens wailing, as officers worked to secure the area and evacuate those in the building.

Leaders from around the world, including the President of the Czech Republic and officials from Germany, France, Slovakia, the European Union, and Israel, offered their condolences to the victims and their families. The Czech government also planned to meet for an emergency session to discuss the shooting. The tragedy has shocked the nation, as it marks the worst mass shooting in the Czech Republic since 2015. However, it's a reminder that even in the picturesque streets of Prague, chaos and terror can suddenly take hold.