In a tragic turn of events, Czech authorities are diligently investigating the motive behind the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. The incident unfolded at Charles University in central Prague, where a 24-year-old student, identified as David Kozak, opened fire at the Faculty of Arts building, leaving 14 dead, including his own father, and 25 others injured.

President Petr Pavel has called for national unity and urged against using the tragedy for political purposes or spreading misinformation. Declaring Saturday a national day of mourning, Pavel expressed profound sadness and anger at the unnecessary loss of life.

The gunman, who had no prior criminal record, unleashed the violence in corridors and classrooms, seemingly targeting victims at random. Disturbing footage shared on social media captured people leaping to safety from high ledges as gunshots echoed through the building.

Police, responding to a prior report, evacuated a different university building where Kozak was expected to attend a lecture. However, they were later called to the Faculty of Arts building, where the assailant was ultimately "eliminated" by law enforcement.

Authorities discovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition belonging to Kozak, who had reportedly been inspired by a similar incident in Russia, according to unconfirmed social media sources. Notably, the gunman was also implicated in the earlier killing of a man and his two-month-old daughter found dead in a Prague forest.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed shock and condemnation, declaring a day of mourning with flags flown at half-mast and a minute's silence observed at midday. The tragic incident ranks among the deadliest lone gunman shootings in Europe this century.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath, people gathered near the scene to light candles and lay flowers in remembrance. Charles University, founded in 1347, stands as the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic and one of Europe's venerable institutions.