Six people died and dozens were hurt when a gunman opened fire in Krakow’s bustling market square, prompting a national mourning period.
On Saturday afternoon, a 25-year-old Polish national fired an automatic weapon from inside a car parked at Krakow’s historic Main Market Square. The assault, which lasted roughly two to three minutes, left six people dead and sixteen injured, including two police officers and several foreign nationals.
The perpetrator wore military-style clothing and used a long, military-type firearm. Witnesses reported hearing a sudden burst of gunshots, followed by panicked screams. Emergency services arrived within three minutes of the first call, according to police chief inspector Marek Boron.
Details of the attack in the Main Market Square
Authorities established that the shooting began at about 15:00 local time (14:00 BST). The gunman positioned himself inside a vehicle and opened fire toward the crowd gathered in the square, which is a popular tourist and commercial hub.
Four women and two men were confirmed dead; among the fatalities were three Polish women and a British citizen. Two of the deceased remain unidentified.
In addition to the six fatalities, sixteen individuals were hospitalized. Among the wounded were five non-Polish nationals, a Portuguese woman, and two police officers—one of whom suffered serious injuries after being shot three times during an exchange of fire.
Official reactions and investigation
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as an “act of terrorism” and announced two days of national mourning on Sunday and Monday. He emphasized that the motives would be examined thoroughly, warning against online misinformation. Tusk also praised the rapid response of police officers, stating they “saved many people’s lives.”
Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz echoed the prime minister’s assessment, labeling the event a terror attack on the city’s residents. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński added that the shooter held “very radical” and “ultra-nationalistic” views, noting his fascination with far-right ideologies.
Police chief inspector Boron confirmed the identity of the victims and mentioned that drone footage revealed three additional bodies—two women and one man—found inside the shooter’s home, likely members of his family. The discovery was made possible through aerial surveillance.
Krakow’s mayor, Łukasz Gibała, announced that the city would remain open to visitors despite the tragedy, insisting that “the square will belong to us again.” UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed solidarity on social media, describing the incident as “appalling” and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Impact on victims and the community
Survivors recounted the chaos. One eyewitness, a 24-year-old university student named Cezary, was waiting for a taxi with his girlfriend’s family when the gunfire erupted. He described the scene as filled with screams and people attempting resuscitation. After the shooting ceased, Cezary and his companions took shelter in a nearby hotel until the area was secured.
The incident has left a profound scar on Krakow’s community. Families of the deceased, including the British victim, are grieving, while medical staff continue to treat the injured. The national mourning period underscores the gravity of the attack, marking one of the deadliest violent episodes in recent Polish history.
Investigators are now focusing on the shooter’s background, motives, and any potential accomplices. The authorities have not released a name, but have confirmed his age and extremist leanings. As the investigation proceeds, officials have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
