The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon when the suspect drove a black Subaru into Krakow’s main market square and fired an automatic rifle at random pedestrians. Four women and two men were killed, including a British citizen. Fifteen other people were injured, five of whom were non-Polish nationals from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia, and Britain. Two police officers, Senior Constables Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański, were wounded while confronting the gunman. Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared November 8 and 9 national days of mourning.
Authorities have not yet formally detained the suspect due to his critical medical condition. He was shot by police during a chase and has undergone multiple operations. Police spokesperson Katarzyna Cislo stated that doctors are currently assessing whether he is well enough to be questioned. Prosecutors are preparing six murder charges related to the deaths in Krakow. This number could rise to nine if investigators confirm the suspect’s responsibility for the deaths of three relatives found in his home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyskie, approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Krakow.
Police discovered the bodies of the suspect’s 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother, and 21-year-old sister in their apartment on Saturday evening. The victims sustained injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Counterterrorism officers searched the residence for explosives and seized seven firearms. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński described the suspect as having “ultranationalistic” views and being “fascinated by far-right ideologies.” He noted that the suspect was masked and wearing military gear, including a bulletproof vest, during the attack.
Defense Minister Waldemar Żurek said the investigation is being led by specialists in terror offenses. Priorities include establishing the full sequence of the perpetrator’s actions and securing evidence. Waszczuk stated that current evidence does not indicate the involvement of other individuals, though checks will continue. The two injured police officers remain in hospital; one was brought out of a medically induced coma on Sunday, while the other remains in a critical but stable condition.
