Prague is in shock and mourning following a horrific shooting incident that left 14 people dead and 11 others critically injured.
The attack started on the afternoon of the 2nd of April outside the city’s main railway station. Witnesses report that a man opened fire with what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle, indiscriminately targeting those in the vicinity.
The perpetrator has been identified as a 23-year-old Czech national with no known links to extremist organisations or terrorist organisations.
The tragedy has left the usually vibrant and colourful city of Prague in mourning. As news of the tragedy spread throughout the city, spontaneous memorials started to appear around Prague’s major landmarks, with people leaving flowers and candles in memory of the victims.
Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib described the shooting as “senseless,” and expressed his deep sadness for the city’s loss.
The Czech government has pledged to provide all necessary assistance to affected families and is currently in discussions with the city of Prague about ways to commemorate the victims in a fitting manner.
President Miloš Zeman called the shooting a “tragedy,” and the deadliest attack to strike the city in recent years. He spoke ahead of a special meeting of the Czech National Security Council to discuss possible security measures to prevent further violence and to honour the victims of the shooting.
The National Security Council also requested tightened security measures in the city, as citizens of Prague were left reeling from the shock of this senseless violence.
The shooting in Prague is being viewed as a reminder of the need for better communication and understanding in a world in which violence is increasingly becoming commonplace, and it is with this in mind that the people of Prague move towards a future of healing and renewal.