A 24-year-old Polish man drove into the historic center of Kraków on Saturday afternoon and opened fire on crowds in the Main Market Square, killing six people and injuring 17 others.
Kraków Square Attack and Gunman’s Death
The attacker drove a vehicle at high speed into the medieval square at about 3 p.m. on Saturday, wearing military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest. He used an automatic weapon to fire at random people from his car during what police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło described as a “wild ride” around the tourist hub. The attacker died in the hospital Monday morning.
Informujemy, że sprawca tragicznych wydarzeń zmarł dzisiaj nad ranem w szpitalu.
Two police officers rushed to the scene and engaged the shooter within three minutes. Senior constable Jakub Kulik and senior constable Artur Moranski exchanged gunfire with the gunman at close range before he was shot and wounded.
The suspect was a member of a shooting club and was described by a club spokesperson as a highly skilled marksman. Authorities are currently investigating whether the man was inspired or assisted by any outside parties.
[Polish prosecutors open terrorism investigation into Kraków shooting] “Six people killed in attack probably inspired by far right, according to officials, as police say suspect’s parents and sister found dead at his home“https://t.co/JyL11Bzif5
Family Tragedy Discovered in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski
Hours after the shooting in Kraków, authorities discovered three dead bodies inside the suspect’s home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, located about 150 kilometers northeast of the city. Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters that there are strong indications that they are members of his immediate family. Police identified the deceased relatives as his 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother, and 21-year-old sister, who likely died from gunshot wounds.
The national prosecutor’s office stated that it is highly likely the killings at both locations were carried out by the same person. Investigators recovered seven firearms and many rounds of ammunition from the home, while additional weapons were found in the attacker's vehicle.
A shocking crime in Kraków. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. There can be no justification for this attack, and we trust the perpetrator will face justice. We wish strength and a…
Six People Died and Seventeen Were Injured
Four women and two men were killed in the square. Authorities confirmed that three of the dead women and one man were Polish citizens, while another victim was from the United Kingdom and one was a woman from Austria. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband issued a statement expressing shock at the loss of life and solidarity with the Polish people.
Seventeen people sustained injuries during the rampage, including the two police officers who confronted the gunman. Five foreign nationals from Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal, and Russia were among the wounded. Both police officers were hospitalized in serious condition, with one brought out of a coma by Sunday afternoon while the other remained under intensive medical care.
Investigation Into Far-Right Motives and Terrorism
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński stated that the suspect held very radical and ultranationalistic views. An interior ministry spokesperson told radio TOK FM that investigators are analyzing various emblems and patches found on the perpetrator’s tactical clothing. Prosecutors opened a formal investigation into murder and attempted murder, classifying the act as a terrorist offense.
Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski responded to the event by implementing increased security measures, including the installation of road barriers, along the capital’s historic streets.
The tragic shooting in Kraków, which has claimed lives and left several people injured, is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I wish all those injured a speedy recovery. 😞@donaldtusk, Latvia stands in…
National Mourning and Security Responses
Poland observed two days of national mourning. In Kraków, the historic Main Market Square remained cordoned off as mourners placed candles and flowers near bullet holes left on building facades and restaurant windows.
For the first time since World War II, the traditional hourly trumpet call from St. Mary’s Basilica on the square was suspended for 12 hours to commemorate the victims. Local residents and tourists expressed deep shock, with some noting that while they had heard of similar incidents elsewhere in Europe, they had not expected such violence to reach their city.
My thoughts are with the victims‘ loved ones of the terrible #Krakow-attack. May the victims be never forgotten. Support for the authorities to investigate & to bring justice. 🖤🇵🇱 @donaldtusk @sikorskiradek @AndrzejHalicki @Adamowicz_Magda @simon_slowik https://t.co/k0qcmNdXGt
As resident Maciej Sikorski told the Associated Press, In a situation like this, it’s all too easy to stop living — to start being afraid instead, and just vegetate. That is something I really want to avoid.
Earlier coverage: Kraków Shooting Suspect Who Killed 6 People Dies in Hospital
