KRAKOW, Poland — Poland has begun two days of national mourning following a deadly shooting in the historic centre of Krakow that left six people dead and 15 others injured, as authorities investigate the suspected gunman’s reported far-right and ultranationalist views.
The attack occurred on Saturday, November 7, when a 24-year-old Polish man drove into the city’s busy Main Market Square and opened fire on people from his vehicle. Police officers eventually confronted and shot the suspect, who was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
On Sunday, mourners gathered near the scene to leave flowers and candles in memory of the victims. Parts of the popular tourist square remained closed as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities Point to Suspect’s Far-Right Ideology
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said preliminary findings indicated that the suspect was fascinated by far-right ideologies and held what he described as very radical and ultranationalist views.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the shooting as an act of terror against the people of Krakow.
Police said the attacker appeared to have acted alone. He was reportedly wearing military-style clothing and body armour and used a long firearm during the shooting. Officers recovered additional weapons and ammunition from his vehicle.
Investigators have not publicly established a definitive motive, and authorities are continuing to examine the suspect’s background and possible connections.
Three More Bodies Found at Suspect’s Family Home
The investigation took another disturbing turn after authorities discovered three bodies at the suspect’s family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, approximately 150 kilometres northeast of Krakow.
Police identified the deceased as the suspect’s sister, mother and father. Investigators said they appeared to have died from gunshot wounds.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the discovery as another tragic development in the case. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the three deaths and their possible connection to the Krakow shooting.
Foreign Nationals Among the Victims
The six people killed in the Main Market Square attack included four women and two men. Authorities confirmed that a British citizen was among those who died.
Five foreign nationals were also among the injured, with victims reported to include people from several European countries.
Two police officers who intervened during the attack were wounded. One remained in critical condition, while officials praised the officers for confronting the gunman and potentially preventing further casualties.
Poland Observes National Mourning
Krakow’s Main Market Square is one of Poland’s most recognised public spaces and attracts millions of visitors each year. The shooting has shocked the country, where mass shootings are relatively uncommon.
Prime Minister Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki expressed condolences to the victims’ families and those affected by the violence.
As Poland observes national mourning, investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances of the attack, including the suspect’s ideological influences and the circumstances surrounding the deaths discovered at his family home.
Swifteradio.com
