The 24-year-old gunman responsible for a devastating Poland mass shooting in a busy city square has died in the hospital following multiple operations. The attacker had been in critical condition after being shot by police officers who intervened to end the bloodshed on Saturday in Krakow.
The violent assault unfolded in Main Square, a prominent tourist hub located in the heart of Krakow's Old Town. Authorities confirmed that six people were killed and 15 others were wounded during the attack, which officials are investigating as an act of terror.
Terror Probe and Suspect Background
Investigators launched a formal murder and attempted murder probe, classifying the incident as a terrorist offense. According to Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, the suspect held very radical and ultranationalistic views, noting that everything indicates a fascination with far-right ideologies.
Authorities also investigated the suspect's family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, a city located about 93 miles northeast of Krakow. Inside the residence, police discovered the bodies of the assailant's sister, mother, and father, who authorities stated likely died from gunshot wounds.
Local officials in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski seized seven weapons from the family home. Combined with four firearms found in the possession of the man in Krakow or in his car, authorities recovered a total of 11 weapons. Local officials noted that the assailant's father legally owned more than 10 guns, while the attacker also possessed firearms.
Victims and Heroic Police Intervention
Four women and two men lost their lives in the Main Square attack. Malopolska regional governor Krzysztof Jan Klęczar stated that three of the women and one of the man were Polish citizens. A man from the U.K. and a woman from an unidentified foreign country were also among the deceased.
- Six fatalities: Four women and two men killed in Main Square.
- Fifteen wounded: Individuals injured during the Saturday attack.
- Family victims: Assailant's sister, mother, and father found dead at home.
- Police injured: Two young officers hospitalized after stopping the gunman.
Governor Klęczar praised the two police officers who halted the shooter, calling their intervention efficient and selfless. Officials launched a blood donation appeal for the most seriously wounded officer. One of the responding officers remains in a coma, while the other has woken up from a coma.
National Mourning and Historic Memorial Silence
Poland began two days of national mourning on Sunday as the European flags flew at half-mast outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. The Main Square remained partially closed as the investigation continued.
In an unprecedented tribute, the St. Mary's Trumpet Call—a traditional five-note melody played every hour from the highest tower of St. Mary's Basilica—was paused overnight. This marked the first time the hourly call has been missed since World War II.
Mass shootings remain uncommon in Poland. Kacper Rekawek, a senior researcher at the International Center for Counterterrorism in The Hague, noted that the Krakow shooter's military gear, weapons, and overall appearance mirrored those of other extreme right lone actors operating across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Poland mass shooting in Krakow?
The attack was carried out by a 24-year-old Polish man with far-right, ultranationalist views who opened fire in Main Square using firearms.
How many people were killed and injured in the attack?
Six people were killed at Main Square, including four Polish citizens, a U.K. man, and an unidentified foreign woman, while 15 others were wounded.
What happened to the gunman?
Police shot the assailant during the attack to stop him, leaving him in critical condition, and he subsequently died in the hospital on Monday morning.