Multiple bomb threats close Prague shopping centers until further notice

Three of Prague’s largest shopping centers—Palladium, Chodov, and Černý Most—have been evacuated and remain closed as of Thursday midday, following an emailed bomb threat, police have confirmed.

Dozens of officers, including bomb disposal experts, are conducting security sweeps of the malls located in Náměstí Republiky, Chodov, and Černý Most, according to Prague police spokesman Jan Rybanský. Police have not disclosed the origin of the message or the nature of the threat.

The Czech Police announced on X that pyrotechnic and explosives inspections are underway and urged the public to avoid the affected areas, and to postpone shopping until later. 

As of early afternoon, no explosives had been found, but all buildings remain sealed off. The Palladium shopping center's website indicated it hopes to reopen by 3:30 p.m., pending police clearance.

This is not the first time the Palladium center has faced such a threat. In February, a similar email prompted a seven-hour closure. Another anonymous bomb alert led to a police sweep of the Flora shopping center in May.

Authorities have not confirmed whether Thursday’s threats are connected to previous incidents. The investigation is ongoing.

No injuries have been reported. The public is urged to check official police sources, like on X, as well as the shopping centers’ websites regarding re-openings.