CHRIBSKA, Czech Republic — One person was killed and six others were wounded on Monday when a gunman opened fire inside the town hall in Chribska, a small community about 110 km (70 miles) north of Prague, police said, adding that the attacker then took his own life at the scene.
Police secured the building quickly after the incident and said there was no ongoing danger to the public. Authorities have ruled out terrorist, political or extremist motives, describing the attack as likely relationship-based, according to a statement shared on social media.
Casualties and Response
Emergency services responded swiftly, and six people were injured, including three police officers who were among those struck by gunfire, local and national authorities reported. The town’s mayor was among the wounded, and at least one woman was said to be seriously injured.
The fatality was a town hall employee, police confirmed. After the attack, responders also deployed psychologists to the scene to support affected staff and witnesses.
What Authorities Are Saying
Police in the northern Bohemian town emphasized that the suspect’s actions did not appear tied to any broader ideological agenda. In a statement, law enforcement officials said: “Currently, nothing suggests any terrorist or extremist motive. Nor is it a politically or religiously motivated attack — everything points to a relationship-based motive.”
The attacker reportedly had multiple weapons, including firearms that were not legally held, according to early news agency reports. Officers say the suspect shot himself after opening fire at multiple people inside the building.
Community Reaction
Chribska, a town of about 1,300 residents near the German border, has been left reeling from the sudden violence. Local officials, including Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar, travelled to the scene to oversee the response and reassure residents that the situation was under control.
National leaders also weighed in. Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš offered condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the attack, calling it a “tragic event” that shocked the country.
Investigation and Safety
Police have cordoned off the area around the town hall and continue to gather evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into the shooter’s motives and background. Authorities said they will release more information as it becomes available.
