More than 14 killed in mass shooting in downtown Prague

A mass shooting in downtown Prague has seen more than 14 people killed and left at least 25 injured. According to Czech police and the city's rescue service, the individual responsible for the shooting is also deceased.

Authorities have not provided specific details about the victims, but have said that the incident appears to have no link to international terrorism.

Police say the gunman was a 24-year-old student in the faculty of arts at Charles University, where the shooting took place.

Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda confirmed the evacuation of the philosophy department, and the police department sealed off the area and advised people to leave the surrounding streets and stay indoors while the incident unfolded.

Images shared on social media said to depict the shooter show a man in black perched on a balcony and holding a rifle with a scope. One student shared an image of the door of his classroom barricaded to keep the shooter out.

Currently stuck inside my classroom in Prague. Shooter is dead, but we are waiting to be evacuated. Praying to make it out alive.

Locked the door before the shooter tried to open it. Fucking hell. pic.twitter.com/wYyhOe5U6p

Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan assured the public that no additional assailant was present at the scene and urged cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.

The square remains cordoned off, and the police have advised citizens to follow safety measures. 

Prague's rescue service confirmed a total of 14 casualties, including the shooter, with around 25 others sustaining various injuries, including nine individuals in critical condition.

Pavel Nedoma, the director of the Rudolfinum Gallery also situated in the square, reported witnessing the assailant firing shots from