Poland begins national mourning after mass shooting in Krakow leaves six dead

Poland started two days of national mourning on Sunday following a mass shooting in Krakow that authorities said was likely inspired by far-right ideology. Six people were killed and seventeen others were wounded in the Saturday attack in the city's historic main market square, including two police officers and the gunman.

Investigation and Suspect

The 24-year-old suspect remained in hospital in a critical condition following a close-range shootout with police. Hours after the shooting, police and a local official said the suspect's parents and sister were found dead at their home in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, about 200 km north of Krakow. Police on X stated they discovered the bodies of a 53-year-old man and two women, aged 52 and 21, in an apartment in the town centre.

Public Response and Security

Streets around the Krakow market square remained closed with police allowing only essential workers to pass, while flags at the city hall flew at half-mast. The traditional trumpet call from St Mary's church was suspended for 12 hours to honor the dead, marking the first time this has happened since 1939. In Warsaw, police strengthened security in tourist areas and installed barriers on streets leading to Krakowskie Przedmiescie. Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised wounded police officers Senior Constable Jakub Kulik and Senior Constable Artur Moranski as true heroes who likely saved many lives.

Context

Poland has traditionally considered itself safer than many of its Western European neighbors, but recent violent incidents have deepened public anxiety. The shooting follows a string of school stabbings in October that officials linked to extremist content found online.