According to Kraków police, the attack commenced at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time (14:00 GMT). The suspect, wearing military-style attire, drove his car into the crowded square and began firing “at random people” from within the vehicle. The attack killed four women and two men in the square. Among the deceased was a British national, confirmed by Polish Police Chief Marek Boron. Two other victims in the square remain unidentified.
During the exchange of fire, two police officers were injured. Senior Constable Jakub Kulik and Senior Constable Artur Morański engaged the suspect, who was shot and detained within three minutes of the attack beginning. Both officers underwent surgery. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek reported that one officer suffers from a non-functioning lung and requires AB+ blood, while the other is in stable condition. Prime Minister Tusk praised the officers, stating they “likely saved many lives” by stopping the attacker before further casualties could occur.
Following the arrest, police conducted a search of the suspect’s home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, located approximately 120 miles north of Kraków. During this search, the bodies of three additional individuals—two women and one man—were discovered. Prime Minister Tusk stated there is “much to suggest that they are members of the [suspect’s] immediate family,” though formal forensic confirmation is pending. The discovery of these bodies has raised the total death toll to nine.
The suspect, who has not been publicly named, was transported to a hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries. A regional police spokesperson described his condition as “stable but very critical.” Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz explicitly denied reports that the suspect was a serving member of the Polish Armed Forces, stating he “has never had anything to do with the military.”
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński indicated that the suspect’s ideological motivations are a central focus of the investigation. “Everything points to the fact that the shooter was influenced by far-right ideology, a matter that will also be subject to investigation,” Kierwiński said, noting the suspect held “ultra-nationalist views.” Police also reported finding “many pieces of weapons and ammunition” in the suspect’s vehicle, including a semi-automatic rifle similar to a US AR-15. However, a thorough check of the vehicle found no explosive devices.
The incident has prompted a significant national response. President Karol Nawrocki stated that the safety of Poles is an “absolute priority” and is awaiting a full explanation of the circumstances. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski noted receiving numerous messages of solidarity from foreign counterparts. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that five of the 16 injured individuals are foreign nationals from Austria, Britain, Germany, Portugal, and Russia.
Legal proceedings are in the early investigative stage. The suspect has been detained and is facing charges related to the mass casualty event. The classification of the attack as terrorism by the Prime Minister suggests that the prosecution may pursue charges under statutes related to acts of terror, which typically carry severe sentencing exposure in Polish law. The investigation is currently examining the background of the suspect, the source of the weapons, and the circumstances surrounding the deaths at his home. Further legal steps, including formal indictment and trial, will depend on the medical recovery of the suspect and the completion of forensic and investigative work by the Polish prosecution service.
