Czech Republic: Police response ongoing in Ceske Budejovice June 30 following earlier hostage situation

Event

A major police response is ongoing in Ceska Budejovice the afternoon of June 30 following an earlier hostage situation. An unidentified man reportedly took a woman hostage in a shop on Premysl Otakar II Square, which remains partially closed. Police negotiated with the suspect from around 15:00 before raiding the store around 16:00. One woman, believed to be the hostage, was then escorted from the store. Although gunshots were reported, the status of the assailant is currently unclear. Police have not indicated any known motive.

Security forces will likely remain deployed in the square through the early evening while their investigations continue.

Advice

Avoid the scene of the incident as a precaution. Heed the instructions of security personnel.