Gunman Opens Fire in Krakow Main Square Leaving Six Dead

What Happened

At least six people died and sixteen others were hurt when a gunman opened fire in the Main Market Square of Krakow, Poland. The attack started just before 15:00 local time when the suspect drove into the busy public square and began shooting at random people from inside his vehicle. Armed police arrived quickly and shot the attacker within three minutes of the first shots. The 25-year-old Polish man survived the police gunfire and was arrested at the scene. Authorities confirmed the dead include four women and two men, with one of them being a foreign national.

Investigation and Suspect

Police said the suspect wore military-style clothing and carried a military-grade weapon, though officials verified he was not an active soldier. A police spokesperson stated that numerous weapons and ammunition pieces were recovered from his vehicle, and local media reports indicate he held a firearms permit. Counter-terrorism police are searching his home, and an early government statement indicated the attacker was inspired by far-right ideologies. Sixteen people went to the hospital, including the attacker and two police officers who were shot during the arrest. One injured officer underwent surgery and remains in very critical condition after taking three bullet wounds. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Krakow to address the public following the incident.

Context

Krakow is Poland's second largest city and a major cultural and tourist hub in Central Europe. Mass shootings remain extremely rare in Poland compared to many other Western nations, making sudden acts of public gun violence deeply shocking to the local community. Major public squares like the Main Market Square draw large crowds of both residents and international visitors daily, presenting significant security challenges during unexpected emergency events.