Czechs observe day of mourning for victims of Prague shooting

Czechs are observing a day of mourning for the victims of the tragic shooting at the Prague Faculty of Arts on Thursday. President Petr Pavel, the country’s top officials, academics and members of the public attended a mass for the departed at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. Flags are flying at half-mast and at midday bells around the country tolled in their memory as people held a minute of silence for the victims. Masses are being held around the country and people are laying flowers and lighting candles at impromptu commemorative sites that have appeared in many towns and cities.

Cultural events over the Christmas weekend have been scrapped or modified to fit the occasion with concerts starting with a minute of silence in a show of respect for those who died in the tragedy. Christmas markets will remain open but with muted or no music.