Six dead in far‑right inspired shooting at Krakow’s Main Market Square

Six people were killed and more than a dozen injured when a gunman opened fire in Krakow’s Main Market Square on Saturday, police said. The 25‑year‑old Polish attacker, described as ultra‑nationalist and inspired by far‑right ideas, drove his vehicle onto the historic square shortly before 15:00 local time and began shooting at random. He wore full military‑style tactical gear and used a military‑grade weapon; police shot him after a three‑minute firefight and took him into custody. One police officer, Senior Constable Jakub Kulik, was critically injured, while Senior Constable Artur Morański suffered a less serious wound; both were praised by Prime Minister Donald Tusk as heroes who saved many lives. Three of the victims were Polish, one was British, and two remain unidentified. Prime Minister Tusk later said three bodies were found at the suspect’s home, likely his immediate family members. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed shock and solidarity with Poland. The attack shattered shop windows, damaged a tram, and left overturned tables and scattered belongings across the square. Police locked down the centre, treated at least 15 injured people, evacuated nearby buildings and searched the car for explosives. A massive armed police presence was deployed in Krakow and heightened security was seen in Warsaw. Tusk vowed to detain any supporters of the gunman and asked the public for information.

Context

The incident adds to a recent rise in far‑right extremist attacks across Europe, prompting tighter security in public spaces. Krakow’s Main Market Square is a major tourist hub, so the shooting may affect visitor numbers and local businesses. Polish authorities are now focusing on preventing similar attacks and tracking extremist networks.