The attack took place at Krakow’s Main Market Square.
Polish authorities say a gunman attacked Main Market Square before officers wounded and arrested him.
A gunman killed six people and injured 16 in the Krakow shooting, which Polish authorities described as terrorism. The attack struck the city’s Main Market Square shortly before 3pm on Saturday, November 7.
The 25-year-old Polish national drove into the crowded pedestrian square and fired at passers-by from his vehicle. The historic square attracts both residents and international visitors.
Gunfire also struck a passing public tram, shattering a window in the driver’s cabin. However, none of its passengers suffered injuries.
Police response to Krakow shooting
Officers exchanged fire with the attacker before wounding and arresting him. He underwent surgery in hospital and remains under police guard.
Authorities said officers arrived within minutes of receiving reports of the shooting. They said the rapid intervention helped prevent further casualties.
The suspect wore military-style tactical clothing and carried a rifle. Police also recovered more weapons and ammunition from his vehicle.
Four women and two men died in the square attack. The dead included a British citizen and three Polish nationals, while two victims remained unidentified.
Meanwhile, the injured included nationals of Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia, alongside two police officers. Prime Minister Donald Tusk named the officers as Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański. One was in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators find three bodies at suspect’s home
Police later discovered three more bodies at the suspect’s home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, approximately 200 kilometres from Krakow. Those victims were two women and one man.
Tusk said investigators believed the three were members of the suspect’s immediate family. However, investigators had yet to establish the circumstances of their deaths.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said preliminary findings pointed to the suspect’s fascination with far-right ideologies and radical ultranationalist views. Authorities continued investigating his background and possible motive.
The attack also drew international condemnation and messages of solidarity with Poland. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and British officials expressed shock and offered condolences to victims’ families.
Meanwhile, Krakow Mayor Łukasz Gibała announced an official mourning period lasting until Wednesday, November 11. Residents and authorities mourned the victims as police continued their investigation.
