Krakow attack: at least six killed and 16 injured in Main Square shooting
Authorities say a 24-year-old opened fire near Krakow’s Main Square; three bodies found at the suspect’s home and mourning declared until November 11.
Mourning has been declared in Krakow through 11 November after a gunman opened fire near the city’s Main Square, killing at least six people and wounding 16, Polish authorities said. Three additional bodies were later found at the attacker’s home; the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.
The victims included four women and two men. According to media reports, the assailant drove a black Subaru onto the Main Square at about 3 p.m., when many tourists were present.
Investigation and suspect
Polish police identified the suspect as a 24-year-old Polish national. Local outlets, citing unofficial sources, reported he may be a soldier. The vehicle used in the attack was registered to his 52-year-old father, who holds a license to possess firearms and reportedly owns at least 11 firearms of various types.
“Everything indicates that he opened fire at random at passers-by. He circled the Main Square and proceeded towards the Kazimierz district. It is too early now to say what exactly he will be charged with,” said prosecutor Tomasz Waszczuk.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on platform X that police are investigating the shooting and that he is receiving information about the case from the interior ministry. Authorities warned citizens to follow official information after numerous videos and posts about the shooting circulated on social media, many of them false or fabricated with the use of artificial intelligence, along with a wave of speculation and disinformation.
The attack prompted reactions and condemnations across Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the event as shocking and offered condolences to the victims’ families. Kaja Kallas, identified in Polish reports as the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, called the attack “a tragedy whose consequences will be felt far beyond the borders of Poland,” and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed sympathy.
Photo: press material from the event
