Six killed in Krakow ‘far-right’ shooting, as three more bodies found in attacker’s home

A violent incident unfolded in the heart of Krakow, Poland’s second-largest city, when a gunman, reportedly motivated by far-right ideology, launched a deadly attack that left six people dead and more than a dozen injured. The assailant drove into the bustling Main Market Square, a well-known spot heavily frequented by tourists, and began shooting at random. The attack occurred on a Saturday afternoon, catching many by surprise.

The individual, a 25-year-old Polish man described by government officials as an “ultra-nationalist,” was outfitted in military-style gear and wielded high-powered weaponry. After police pursued him until his vehicle crashed, a gunfight ensued in which the attacker was wounded. One police officer was critically injured during the confrontation, while another sustained less serious wounds. The attacker was subsequently hospitalized and underwent surgery. The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, revealed that during a search of the suspect’s home—located approximately 125 miles from Krakow—three additional bodies were discovered. These victims were believed to be the suspect’s immediate family members, consisting of two women and one man.

The victims at the scene included four women and two men; three were Polish citizens, one was British, and two remain unidentified. The incident was met with shock and condemnation internationally. The British Prime Minister expressed sadness over the tragedy, emphasizing solidarity with Poland and offering condolences to those affected. Similarly, European and British officials commented on the wide-reaching sorrow resulting from the violent event, highlighting the international impact of the attack.

The rampage lasted about three minutes, during which the shooter fired at people and property indiscriminately, including at a tram and shop windows, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of panic and confusion, with people fleeing the area amid gunfire. Among them was a university student who initially mistook the sound of gunshots for other noises until encountering multiple casualties. The authorities responded swiftly with a massive police presence and heightened security across Krakow and the capital, Warsaw. The government declared a mourning period in Krakow extending to November 11, as investigations continue and the community seeks to recover from the shock of this unprecedented act of terrorism in Poland