Poland has faced one of its gravest incidents in recent years after a shooting in Krakow’s main square left six people dead and 17 injured. The official account describes the act as one being investigated as terrorism, while the authorities’ initial suspicions point to inspiration from far-right ideology.
Attack in the heart of the city
The incident took place on Saturday afternoon in Krakow’s historic center, an area crowded with tourists and passers-by. According to the Polish authorities, the attacker, a 24-year-old Polish citizen, drove into the square and then, dressed in a military-style uniform and bulletproof vest, began firing randomly at people.
He was stopped only after an exchange of gunfire with police, during which he was also wounded. He then underwent surgery and is being held under strict guard in hospital.
Death toll and the injured
According to official data, six people lost their lives: four women and two men. Among the victims is also a British citizen, while the identities of two other people have not yet been made public.
Of the 17 injured, five are foreign nationals from the United Kingdom, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia. Among the injured are also two police officers, one of whom is reported to be in serious condition.
Terrorism investigation and the far-right lead
The National Prosecutor’s Office has announced the opening of an investigation into the fatal shooting of six people and the attempted murder of many others, including police officers. The case is being treated as a terrorist offense.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the young man had shown interest in far-right ideology and held radical and ultranationalist beliefs. At this stage, these remain assessments by the investigative authorities, while the full circumstances of the attack have yet to be clarified.
Three family members found dead at the suspect’s home
Another element that has made the incident even more severe is the discovery of three bodies at the 24-year-old’s home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, around 160 kilometers from Krakow.
Police said they were the suspect’s 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother and 21-year-old sister. According to the official version, they are believed to have died from gunshot wounds, but the exact circumstances have not yet been made public.
Reactions and security measures
The attack has caused deep shock in Poland, a country that until now was considered among the safest in Europe. The incident has revived concerns over the spread of extremism, especially after several other violent episodes reported in recent months.
In Krakow, residents have placed candles and flowers near the site of the attack, while the main square and several surrounding streets have been closed. Authorities have also tightened security measures in Warsaw, while flags across the country have been lowered to half-mast.
Several international leaders also expressed condolences for the victims, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the attack as an act of terror against the citizens of Krakow, one of the country’s most visited cities.