Krakow Shooting Investigated as Terrorism as Poland Mourns Six Dead

Krakow Shooting Investigated as Terrorism as Poland Mourns Six Dead
A gunman opened fire from a moving vehicle in Krakow’s Main Square shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday, sending tourists and residents fleeing. Police exchanged fire with the suspect, who was wounded and taken to hospital in critical condition. One officer was shot three times while attempting to arrest him, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Six people—four women and two men—were killed in the square, while 16 others were injured, including two police officers and five foreign nationals. Three more bodies, believed to be the suspect’s parents and younger sister, were later found at his home. Polish officials said the victims and injured included citizens of Britain, Austria, Germany, Russia and Portugal.

The suspect, described in reports as a Polish man aged 24 or 25, reportedly held a firearms permit and had no criminal record. Police found numerous weapons and ammunition in his vehicle and seven firearms at his home. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said investigators believed the attacker had “very radical views” and was influenced by “far-right ideologies.” Prosecutors opened a terrorism case, while Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said the attack was legally classified as an act intended to seriously frighten a large number of people.

The attack prompted a two-day national mourning period in Poland and heightened security in Krakow. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU flags were lowered to half-mast, calling them a symbol of unity and solidarity “stronger than hatred” and “stronger than extremism.”

Pope Leo XVI expressed “deep sorrow” and spiritual closeness to those affected, offering Christian hope to grieving families. European officials and local authorities also praised police officers who confronted the gunman, while investigators continued examining both the suspected ideological motive and the deaths at his home.