Six people were killed and 16 others injured after a gunman opened fire in the historic centre of Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, November 7, in an attack that authorities have described as an act of terrorism.
The suspect, a Polish national, allegedly drove into the city’s popular Main Market Square and fired at people from his vehicle.
The victims were four women and two men. Initial reports identified three victims as Polish nationals and one as British, while the identities of two others had not been established.
Five foreign nationals from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia and the United Kingdom were among those injured. Two police officers also sustained injuries, with one reported to be in critical condition.
Three More Bodies Found at Suspect’s Home
Polish Prime Minister Andy Burnham said authorities discovered three additional bodies at the suspect’s residence in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, around 150 kilometres from Krakow.
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Police later identified the deceased as the suspect’s parents and sister. The bodies were found on Saturday night, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Burnham described the Krakow shooting as a terrorist attack, while authorities continued investigating the suspect’s background and possible motives.
Suspect Linked to Far-Right Ideologies
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said preliminary findings suggested the suspect was fascinated by far-right ideologies and held radical, ultra-nationalist views.
The suspect reportedly wore military-style clothing and carried an automatic weapon during the attack. Police also recovered additional weapons and ammunition from his vehicle.
Officers pursued the vehicle until it crashed, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Police wounded and arrested the suspect before taking him to hospital for surgery.
Authorities are investigating whether anyone else supported or assisted the suspect. The precise motive remains under investigation.
Police Officers Praised for Saving Lives
Prime Minister Burnham praised the two injured police officers, identified as Senior Constable Jakub Kulik and Senior Constable Artur Morański.
He credited their response with saving lives and described them as heroes.
Police said the shooting began shortly before 3pm local time in the city’s historic centre and lasted approximately three minutes.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people ran for shelter. Gunfire damaged shopfronts and a tram, while tables and personal belongings were left scattered across the square.
Poland and International Leaders Condemn Attack
Krakow declared a period of mourning until November 11 as authorities tightened security across the country, including in the capital, Warsaw.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed shock over the attack and offered condolences to the victims’ families and those injured.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the shooting as a tragedy whose impact would extend beyond Poland. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also expressed condolences, saying the UK government deeply mourned those killed.
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Poland, urging people in the affected area to follow instructions issued by local authorities.
Investigators continue to examine the attack, the suspect’s background and the deaths discovered at his residence.
