Statement of Rector of Charles University and Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University on the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University (21. 12. 2023, 23:00; updated 22. 12. 10:00)
Dear colleagues, dear students,
In connection with the tragic events that took place at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University on 21 December 2023, in which lives were lost and many people were badly injured, we, together with the management of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, express our deepest condolences to all the bereaved families who lost loved ones. Our thoughts are equally with those who are now fighting to survive in hospital and their families.
We would also like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to preventing a more significant loss of life, to the components of the integrated rescue system, and to all the medical and paramedics who are now caring for our injured in hospitals.
As tragic as the attack on Thursday was and as terrible a shock it is, it is important to point out that there is no evidence that it was of ethnic or racial origin.
We are aware that this extreme and dire situation has severely affected not only the entire academic community of Charles University but the broader public and also shocked many people abroad. Therefore, Charles University is now offering all of its students and staff an extended spectrum of support in the form of psychological assistance at its counseling centers and outside of Charles University.
From the very first moment, the management of Charles University, as well as the management of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University, in cooperation with the security forces, dealt with the situation within the framework of a quickly established crisis staff. It also recommended cancelling all university events on Friday (22 December 2023), including classes, for reasons of commemoration. A commemorative site has been set up at the Carolinum (Ovocný trh 3, Prague) by the fountain, a typical meeting place for students and staff. People began lighting candles there on Thursday night.
The Charles University Foundation has also announced a collection to support the families of the victims, teachers, and students affected by the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. You can donate HERE.
The level of violence that took place today at Charles University is absolutely uncharted territory and shocking for our academic community and for the Czech Republic. Let us, therefore, stand together in these difficult moments. We ask everyone to try to remain calm and composed, and we again express our condolences to all those whose hearts have been broken by the loss of loved ones.
We are with you all at this difficult time, and thank you very much for your support so far and in the future.
On behalf of the entire administration of Charles University and the Faculty of Arts of Charles University
Milena Králíčková, Rector of Charles University
Eva Lehečková, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Charles University
(Prague, 21 December 2023, 23:00; updated 22. 12. 10:00)
