The Estonian head of state, President Alar Karis, noted on his social media account that he was "shocked by the brutal act of violence against people at the University of Prague – at a place that is a cradle of wisdom," offering his "deepest condolences to the families of the victims."

I am shocked by the brutal act of violence against people at the University of #Prague – at a place that is a cradle of wisdom.
Deepest condolences to the families of the victims, my thoughts are with the Czech people & @prezidentpavel. I wish those injured a speedy recovery.

— Alar Karis (@AlarKaris) December 21, 2023

The head of government, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, similarly offered her condolences, adding "our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured."

My deepest condolences to @P_Fiala and the Czech people following the tragic shooting at Charles University in #Prague.

Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured.

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) December 21, 2023

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, noted his "deepest condolences to the families of the victims and speedy recovery for the injured."

Shocking news from the centre of Prague .
 
My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and speedy recovery for the injured.

— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) December 21, 2023

Meanwhile the Embassy of the Czech Republic to Estonia, wrote: "We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved and all those affected by the tragedy which occurred on the December 21 at the Charles University Faculty of Arts. For international students and their families: if concerned, you are encouraged to contact your Embassy."

(1/2)We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved and all those affected by the tragedy which occurred on the 21st of December at the Charles University Faculty of Arts.
For international students and their families: if concerned, you are encouraged to contact your Embassy. pic.twitter.com/hEDz7M93dg

— Dům zahraniční spolupráce (@dzs_cz) December 21, 2023

Fourteen people have been killed, and a further 25 wounded, 10 of them seriously, in the shooting, which began at around 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Estonian time) and has been described by the BBC as one of the worst shootings of its kind in recent history, so far as Europe goes.

The gunman himself, aged 24, has also been "eliminated," the authorities say, and was suspected of the murder of a young man and his two-month-old child found dead in a forest just outside the Czech capital last week. He is also thought to have murdered his father, in the period of time leading up to Thursday afternoon's events.

The suspect was known to have been traveling towards Prague ahead of the incident, while the police evacuated a nearby building where he had been expected to attend lectures.

The gunman opened fire in the corridors and classrooms of the Charles University's arts faculty building, in the heart of Prague, apparently killing at random, while staff and students used furniture to barricade themselves into rooms.

The gunman had no prior criminal record, though a "huge arsenal" of firearms and ammunition belonging to him has been found.

President Petr Pavel has expressed his "great sadness" and "helpless anger at the totally unnecessary" loss of life, while Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said: "We are all shocked by this horrendous act," particularly given the timing in the run-up to Christmas, adding that Sunday will be a day of national mourning in the Czech Republic.

Founded in 1347, Charles University is one of the oldest universities in Europe.

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