Six killed, 15 wounded in shooting in Kraków's main square
A gunman killed six people and wounded 15 after opening fire from a car in Kraków’s Main Market Square on Saturday, Polish officials said, before police shot and arrested the suspect.
Gunman opened fire from a car in a crowded square
The shooting took place at around 3 p.m. local time on November 7, when the historic square was crowded with residents and tourists. The suspect drove into the area and fired at people at random, according to police.
Two police officers were among the wounded. One was seriously injured, while another was reported to be in critical condition after being shot during a confrontation with the suspect.
Witnesses said the gunman drove into the pedestrian area before opening fire. Police said he was wearing military-style clothing and carrying military-type firearms. Additional weapons and ammunition were reportedly found in his vehicle.
The suspect, a Polish citizen, was shot by officers during his arrest and taken to hospital. Police said he had acted alone and that no other suspects were being sought.
Polish authorities investigate the circumstances
A police spokesperson told AFP that the suspect had driven into Kraków’s Main Market Square and opened fire indiscriminately.
“The perpetrator was shot by police officers and is currently being transported to hospital. Five people have been killed and several others injured,” the spokesperson said in an earlier statement, before the death toll was revised.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on X that he was being kept informed about the shooting.
“The police are investigating the background and all the circumstances of the attack,” Tusk wrote.
President Karol Nawrocki expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, saying he expected a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek also called for calm and urged the public not to obstruct emergency services working at the scene.
“We will ensure that the perpetrator of this crime is brought to justice and severely punished,” Żurek wrote on X.
Poland's security concerns amid regional tensions
Poland has repeatedly warned about alleged acts of sabotage and hybrid warfare linked to Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow has rejected the allegations.
However, authorities have not established any connection between those security concerns and Saturday's shooting in Kraków. Police have not announced a motive for the attack.
Located in southern Poland, Kraków is the country's former royal capital and one of Central Europe's leading tourist destinations. The city welcomed an estimated 16.25 million visitors in 2025, according to municipal figures.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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