Kraków attack: EU flags lowered to half-mast as Poland mourns

European flags were lowered to half-mast across official sites after a deadly attack on the main square of Kraków in which six people were killed and 16 were wounded. Poland has declared two days of national mourning.

Authorities say the incident occurred yesterday afternoon when a man drove a vehicle into the city’s main square and began shooting “blindly” from the car. The attacker, identified by police as a 25-year-old Polish citizen, was wounded and is currently in hospital; police have not released his name.

International leaders and national officials react

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on Twitter on November 8, 2026: "This morning, Europe woke up in grief and disbelief after yesterday’s horrific attack in Krakow.

Our flags fly at half-mast in honour of the victims and the brave first responders.

They stand for European unity and solidarity.

Stronger than hatred. Stronger than extremism."

Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, the President of North Macedonia, also expressed condolences: "It is with profound sadness and deep sorrow that I learned of the terrorist attack in Kraków.

On behalf of the Macedonian citizens, I extend my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, to the injured, and to the entire Polish nation.

This senseless act of violence has claimed innocent lives and left many others injured.

In these difficult moments, the Macedonian people stand in full solidarity with Poland. We share in your grief and extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragedy."

Police say three of the dead were Polish citizens and one was British; two victims were not yet identified. Among the wounded are five foreign nationals from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia and the United Kingdom. During the arrest the suspect returned fire, and two police officers were wounded, one in critical condition.

Investigators say the suspect wore "military-style" clothing and possessed a military-type weapon, though he was not a serving member of the armed forces. The interior minister said early inquiries indicate he was inspired by "far-right ideologies" and described him as an "ultranationalist." Police also reported that three bodies were found in the suspect's home and later identified as his family members: his 53-year-old father, his 52-year-old mother and his 21-year-old sister.

Photo: press material from the event