President Petr Pavel recently convened a meeting at Prague Castle to extend his gratitude to the first responders involved in the tragic shooting incident at the Philosophical Faculty of Charles University on December 21st, 2023. The gathering included paramedics, police officers, firefighters, psychologists, and crisis intervenors who were part of the Integrated Rescue System and played crucial roles during the incident.

The president took the occasion to express his deep appreciation for the dedicated service of the first responders and to gain firsthand insights into the intervention efforts during the tragic event. The shooting incident resulted in the loss of 14 lives and left 25 individuals injured.

President Pavel acknowledged the bravery and adherence to protocol demonstrated by the responders, emphasizing the significance of their roles in managing the crisis. He personally thanked each participant, recognizing the challenges they faced and expressing his hope that they never have to confront such a devastating incident again.

The tragic event at the Philosophical Faculty of Charles University unfolded when a 24-year-old shooter carried out the attack. Subsequent investigations revealed that the perpetrator had committed a prior double homicide in the Klanovice Forest.

The meeting at Prague Castle provided an additional platform to acknowledge the professionalism and bravery of the first responders, underscoring the importance of their contributions in the face of adversity. It serves as a collective recognition of their efforts in managing and responding to a challenging and distressing incident, highlighting the crucial role of emergency services and support systems during such tragedies.

Article by Prague Forum