An armed man shot at people on Saturday in the historic center of Krakow, Poland's second-largest city, resulting in six deaths and at least 15 injuries. This incident is recognized as the deadliest shooting in Poland since the fall of communism in 1989. The bodies of two women and one man were found at the suspect's home, which Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated are likely family members.
Description of the Incident and Reactions
Tusk labeled the shooting as a "terrorist act" and announced two days of national mourning. Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński also mentioned that the suspect had an interest in "far-right ideologies" and expressed "racist" views. He added, "Everything indicates that the perpetrator had very radical views. Several weapons were found in his vehicle."
The suspect, a Polish citizen born in 2002, drove his vehicle into Krakow's main square and randomly shot at people. Two police officers were injured while trying to stop him, and ultimately, the police targeted and arrested the suspect. Kamiński also noted that the suspect was wearing military clothing and used a semi-automatic rifle similar to the American AR-15.
International Consequences and Security Situation
Among the victims, there is a British citizen, and five other foreigners are among the injured. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nationalities of all the victims. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed "shock and sorrow" on social media platform X regarding the shooting.
Tusk praised the bravery of the police officers who put their lives at risk, stating, "Our highest admiration goes to the heroic police officers who risked their lives in the line of duty."
By Saturday evening, the usually crowded Krakow square, one of Poland's top tourist destinations, was cordoned off by armed police and criminal investigators. Witnesses reported that people took refuge in shops and restaurants on nearby streets. Daniel Wolny, a 32-year-old musician, said, "I saw one person who was dead... and several others who were a bit further away and still trying to revive them."
Deadly shootings in Poland are very rare, a country with a population of 38 million and a member of the European Union and NATO. However, the country is on high alert following a series of knife attacks in October, which Tusk referred to as a "culture of violence." Poland has also seen a significant increase in gun permits, with over 50,000 permits in 2025, bringing the total to 411,000.
President Karol Nawrocki also stated that he is awaiting a "full explanation of the circumstances surrounding these dramatic events." Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, and Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, expressed solidarity, while Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, described the shooting as "a tragedy that will be felt beyond Poland."
