A gunman opened fire on crowds in Krakow's Main Square, killing six people and wounding at least 16 others, in an attack that Poland's Interior Minister says appears to have been motivated by far-right ideologies.
The 25-year-old suspect, a Polish national, was shot by police and remains in a serious condition in hospital, where he is undergoing a second surgical procedure. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński confirmed the man had been "shot and neutralised" by officers after the assault on Saturday.
Suspect's Background and Weapons
At a press conference, Kierwiński said one line of inquiry suggests the weapons used in the attack were taken from the suspect's family home. Several firearms are registered to the suspect's father, though the minister stressed it is "too early" to draw conclusions.
Initial analysis suggests the suspect held "ultra-nationalist views", which Kierwiński cautioned still requires verification. He added that preliminary signs indicated the attacker held "very radical views" and that there was no indication more than one individual was involved.
Details of the Attack
Krakow police confirmed the gunman, initially reported to be 24 years old, drove around the Main Square firing indiscriminately at members of the public from a moving vehicle. Four women and two men were killed, while at least 15 people sustained injuries across multiple locations.
Two police officers were also struck by gunfire, with one left in a serious condition. Katarzyna Cislo, a spokesperson for Krakow police, said the attacker was dressed in military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest and was armed with a military-type long gun. She described the incident as a "wild ride" around the Main Square, explaining why victims were wounded in various parts of the area.
Five of the wounded are foreign nationals, and one of those killed was also a foreign national. When questioned about the number of rounds discharged, Kierwiński acknowledged that "many shots have been fired" but could not provide further details.
Investigation and Response
Police found additional ammunition and firearms inside the suspect's vehicle, with searches ongoing. Investigators are also searching the suspect's home as they work to determine what prompted the rampage. It remains unclear whether the weapons used, or those recovered from the car, had been legally obtained.
Footage circulating on social media showed members of the public fleeing the square and seeking shelter in surrounding streets. Other footage showed a police officer repeatedly opening fire on the attacker as he lay in the street; despite having been shot himself, the suspect reportedly continued to discharge his weapon at officers.
Mass shootings are rare in Poland, which has a population of approximately 37 million. However, three separate school attacks occurred within four days in mid-October in the central province of Mazovia, resulting in one fatality and several injuries, including among children.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed police had launched an investigation into the attack and paid tribute to the responding officers. President Karol Nawrocki expressed condolences to the victims, the injured and their families. US ambassador to Poland Tom Rose condemned the shooting as a "savage and murderous attack" that had shattered the country's peace.
Krakow attracts around 15 million tourists annually, with the majority passing through the city's iconic Main Square. In the wake of the attack, Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski announced that security measures in the Polish capital would be strengthened, with road barriers to be erected along key streets in the old town.
