Polish authorities are conducting a wide-ranging investigation into a deadly shooting in Krakow that resulted in the deaths of six people and left 16 others injured. The incident, which occurred in the city's popular Main Market Square, has prompted a secondary inquiry after the discovery of three more bodies inside the residence of the primary suspect. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, addressing the nation following the tragedy, confirmed that the bodies found at the home are believed to be close family members of the perpetrator.
The suspect, identified by officials as a 25-year-old Polish national, carried out the attack in the heart of the Old Town on a Saturday afternoon. According to authorities, the man, dressed in military-style fatigues and wearing a bulletproof vest, maneuvered through the crowded square in a vehicle while firing an automatic weapon. The attack spread across multiple locations, including an incident where a tram driver reported his vehicle had been shot at, resulting in a shattered cabin window. Animal welfare organization OTOZ Animals also reported that the gunman fired upon two horses, both of which survived the encounter.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński stated that early evidence suggests the suspect held “very radical” and “ultranationalistic” views. “Everything indicates that he was fascinated by far-right ideologies,” Kierwiński said during a press conference. The perpetrator was eventually neutralized after police officers returned fire and wounded him. He was subsequently transported to a hospital for surgery. Police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło confirmed that the attacker continued to fire at law enforcement even after being struck, though authorities maintain that he acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the general public.
The casualties of the shooting include four women and two men. Among the deceased, four have been identified as Polish citizens and one as a British national, while officials continue to work on identifying the final victim. The injured toll of 16 includes two police officers, one of whom remains in serious condition. Furthermore, police commander Marek Boroń reported that five foreign nationals were among those wounded. A total of 13 people were hospitalized in serious condition, a figure that includes the suspect currently under medical care.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz characterized the event as an “act of terror” against the city. Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland, is a significant tourist destination, drawing approximately 15 million visitors annually. In response to the tragedy, Mayor Łukasz Gibała has declared a period of official mourning that will last until Wednesday. Despite the gravity of the attack, the Mayor emphasized the resilience of the community, stating that the square would belong to the citizens again and that the city would remain open to visitors.
Investigators are currently focused on analyzing evidence recovered from the suspect's vehicle, which included additional weapons and ammunition, as well as combing through findings at his home. While the motive remains the subject of an active inquiry, the discovery of the bodies at the suspect's residence has added a grim layer to the unfolding investigation. Prime Minister Tusk has expressed his support for the police response, while President Karol Nawrocki has conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and those affected by the violence.
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