KRAKOW, Poland — Six people have been killed and 15 others injured after a gunman opened fire in the historic centre of Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, November 7, in a shooting that sent residents and tourists fleeing for safety.
Police said the attacker drove into the city’s busy Main Market Square, a major tourist destination, and began firing at people at random from his vehicle. The victims included four women and two men.
Two police officers were among those injured, with one reported to be in critical condition after being shot multiple times during an exchange of fire with the suspect.
Police Shoot and Arrest Suspect
The suspected gunman, a 24-year-old Polish citizen, was shot by police officers during an operation near the scene and taken to hospital for surgery.
Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło said the attacker wore military-style clothing and body armour and used a military-type long firearm. Officers also discovered additional weapons and a large quantity of ammunition inside his vehicle.
Authorities said the suspect acted alone and was in police custody. Investigators had not publicly established a motive or confirmed whether the weapons were legally owned.
Police urged members of the public to avoid the affected areas while emergency services secured the scene and gathered evidence.
Attack Shocks Popular Tourist Destination
The shooting occurred in Krakow’s Main Market Square, one of Europe’s largest medieval town squares and a central attraction for visitors.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people ran into nearby streets, shops and restaurants to escape the gunfire. Emergency vehicles and ambulances rushed to the area, while police cordoned off sections of the historic centre.
A nearby tram was also reportedly fired upon, shattering a window in the driver’s cabin. No injuries were reported among the tram’s passengers or driver.
Polish Leaders Respond to Tragedy
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was receiving updates from Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński and praised the police officers who intervened.
President Karol Nawrocki also expressed concern and extended his thoughts to the victims, injured people and their families.
Krakow authorities confirmed the six deaths and 15 injuries and established a crisis response team to coordinate emergency operations. The city also appealed to residents to remain calm and follow instructions from police and emergency personnel.
Investigation Underway
The attack has shocked Poland, where mass shootings are relatively uncommon. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suspect’s background, possible motive and the weapons recovered from his vehicle.
The investigation will also examine how the attacker moved through the busy city centre and whether additional security measures are needed to protect public spaces.
For now, police have confirmed that the only known suspect is in custody and that there is no further immediate threat to the public.
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