Poland's interior minister has said the suspect in a deadly shooting in Krakow appears to have been inspired by far-right ideologies. Marcin Kierwiński said the 25-year-old Polish national had been "shot and neutralised" by police and remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Attack leaves six dead and 15 injured
The suspect is undergoing a second operation following the shooting, which left six people dead and at least 15 others injured. The minister said there were no indications that more than one person was involved in the attack, adding that the suspect appeared to hold "very radical views".
Numerous firearms have been discovered inside the car the suspect was driving, with police searches still ongoing. The suspect's home is also being searched as investigators work to establish a motive.
Shooting unfolded in Krakow's Main Square
The attack unfolded on Saturday afternoon in Krakow's Main Square, a major tourist destination in the heart of the Polish city. The gunman reportedly drove around the area firing at random people from a moving vehicle, with victims wounded at several different locations.
Four women and two men were killed, while at least 15 people were injured. Two police officers were also wounded by gunfire, with one left in a serious condition. Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cislo said the attacker was wearing military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest and had used a military-type long gun.
She described the incident as a "wild ride" around the Main Square, explaining why people were struck at multiple locations. Witness footage shared on social media showed people fleeing the square and taking cover in nearby streets as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Police response and national reaction
In one video, a police officer could be seen repeatedly shooting the attacker as he lay on the street. The suspect reportedly continued firing at officers even after being shot himself. Police also discovered ammunition and other weapons inside his vehicle. It is not yet clear whether the firearms used in the attack, or those found in the car, were legally owned.
Mass shootings are uncommon in Poland, which has a population of around 37 million. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said police were investigating the attack and praised the officers who responded to the tragedy. President Karol Nawrocki also said his thoughts were with the victims, those injured and their families. The US ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, described the shooting as a "savage and murderous attack" that had shattered the peace of the country.
Around 15 million tourists visit Krakow every year, with most passing through the city's Main Square. In the aftermath of the attack, Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski announced increased security measures in the Polish capital, including road barriers along major streets in the old town.
