Charles University has provided a detailed timeline of events on the day of the tragic shooting at the Faculty of Philosophy, expressing gratitude to the police for their intervention that prevented further loss of life. The incident, in which a student killed 14 people and injured others, unfolded on Tuesday, and the university has shed light on the unfolding events from their perspective.

The university’s timeline reveals that the first police visit to the faculty building occurred around half past one, where uniformed police officers engaged with gatekeepers at the gatehouse. Daniel Berounský, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, offered assistance, and one of the officers showed a photo of the suspect on his mobile phone, warning that the individual, potentially mentally disturbed, could be approaching the Faculty of Philosophy.

The actual attack took place shortly before three o’clock, with the dean describing the moment at 14:52 when a distressed colleague reported an ongoing attack on the fourth floor. Furniture was smashed, and a person was found lying on the ground. The dean’s secretary called the emergency line at 14:59, facing initial skepticism from the operator, who was eventually convinced of the seriousness of the situation.

Zdeňka Filipová, the secretary, reported hearing gunshots in the personal department’s premises a few moments later and called the emergency line again at 15:04, seeking guidance on whether to evacuate the building or secure themselves in the office.

Despite some critical statements about the police’s procedure, the leadership of Charles University expressed gratitude for their intervention during the “unique and brutal attack.” The university emphasized that the police’s actions on the main building of the Faculty of Philosophy played a crucial role in preventing greater loss of human lives. In addition to thanking the police, the university acknowledged everyone involved in providing crisis intervention and psychosocial help during the aftermath of the incident.

The release of the timeline aims to provide clarity on the sequence of events and the university’s response, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident.

Article by Prague Forum