US President Joe Biden among world leaders pledging support to Czechia

U.S. President Joe Biden has reached out to the Czech public to give his support and condolences to the 14 people killed by a gunman in central Prague Thursday afternoon.

Biden said this morning in a social media post on X that his "heart goes out to those who lost their lives in today's senseless shooting in Prague, to the injured, and to the people of the Czech Republic." Biden added that U.S. authorities were in contact with Czech security forces and stood ready to provide additional aid and support however possible. 

U.S. Ambassador to Czechia Bijan Sabet wrote on X: “Today's mass shooting in Prague breaks my heart. My deepest condolences to the victims and their families. We [the U.S.] are with you during this difficult time.”

The Associated Press reported last night that the U.S. White House has expressed its regret for "the senseless act of violence" and stated that the U.S. is ready to provide all necessary support to the Czech Republic.  

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also released a statement saying he was "shocked and saddened" by the shooting, which took place on Thursday afternoon at one of the oldest universities in Central Europe. "I also express my deepest condolences to the relatives of the victims and my wish that the injured recover as soon as possible," Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on his behalf.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the senseless violence, extending heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims. "Shocked by the senseless violence of the shooting that claimed several lives today in Prague," she stated on social media site X. "We stand and mourn with you."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also deplored the "appalling news from Prague." 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy similarly paid his respects. He said Thursday: “Innocent people were killed and injured. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. I wish those injured a speedy recovery.”

The international expressions of support come amid one of the most devastating attacks on European education in recent memory.

The attack has left 15 dead including the killer. Of the three foreigners injured in the shooting at Charles University, two are from the United Arab Emirates and one is from the Netherlands, the Ministry of the Interior has confirmed.