The suspect in the Krakow shootings was reportedly 'inspired by far-right ideologies', as six people were killed in the horror attack.
The 25-year-old suspect was shot by police and remains in a serious condition in hospital after the deadly attack left six people dead and at least 16 injured.
Interior Minister confirms suspect's radical views
The suspect behind a deadly shooting in Poland appears to have been inspired by far-right ideologies, the country's Interior Minister has said. Marcin Kierwiński said the 25-year-old Polish national had been "shot and neutralised" by police after opening fire in the centre of Krakow on Saturday. The suspect remains in hospital in a serious condition and is undergoing a second operation, the minister confirmed.
Six people were killed and at least 15 others injured in the horrific attack, which unfolded in the city's busy Main Square, a popular destination for tourists. Kierwiński said there was no reason to believe more than one person was involved, adding that initial indications suggested the attacker held "very radical views".
Firearms discovered in suspect's car
He also revealed that numerous firearms had been discovered inside the car the suspect was driving, with searches still being carried out. The suspect's home is also being searched as investigators work to establish what led to the violence.
Krakow police said the gunman, who was initially reported to be 24, drove around the Main Square firing at random people from a moving vehicle. Four women and two men were killed, while at least 15 people were injured across several locations.
Police officers wounded in the attack
Two police officers were also wounded by gunfire, with one left in a serious condition. Katarzyna Cislo, a spokesperson for Krakow police, 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 wounded in different parts of the area.
Footage shared on social media showed people running away from the square and taking cover in nearby streets as emergency services rushed to the scene. 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.
Nation reacts to rare mass shooting
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. However, three attacks at schools in the central province of Mazovia took place within four days in mid-October, leaving one person dead and several others injured, including children.
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" which 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.
