Krakow Shooting: Gunman Kills Six in Poland’s Main Market Square

At least six people have been killed and several others injured after a gunman opened fire in central Krakow, according to reporting by the BBC. The tragic incident unfolded in the historic Main Market Square of Poland’s second-largest city, leaving the community in shock as officials investigate the motives behind the violence.

How the Attack Unfolded in Krakow

The attack began shortly before 15:00 local time on Saturday. According to police statements, a 25-year-old Polish man drove into the bustling central square and began firing randomly at people from his vehicle. A passing tram was struck by bullets, shattering its windows, though no passengers inside were injured.

Armed police officers arrived rapidly at the scene and engaged the suspect in a gunfight. Officials noted that the attacker was shot within three minutes of the assault beginning, which prevented further casualties. The suspect survived the confrontation, was arrested, and is currently hospitalized under guard.

Following the shooting, authorities cordoned off the area. The suspect’s vehicle, located at the intersection of Dietla and Stradomska streets, was examined for potential explosive devices, prompting the temporary evacuation of nearby residential buildings.

Casualties and Hospitalizations

Polish authorities confirmed that six people—four women and two men, including one foreign national—died in the attack. Another 16 individuals, comprising five foreign nationals, the attacker, and two police officers, were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.

One of the wounded police officers sustained three gunshot wounds while helping detain the suspect and was reported to be in a very critical condition, undergoing emergency surgery. City officials have not yet released the names and ages of the deceased victims.

Suspect Profile and Far-Right Ideology Links

Police identified the detained gunman as a 25-year-old Polish citizen. At the time of the assault, he was wearing military-style attire and operating a military-grade weapon, although authorities verified he was not an active-duty soldier. A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from his vehicle.

Early findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that the suspect may have been inspired by far-right ideologies, with a government minister describing him as an ultra-nationalist. Counter-terrorism police have conducted searches at his family home, where local media reported he might have acquired the firearms.

National and International Reactions

In response to the tragedy, Krakow Mayor Łukasz Gibała declared a period of municipal mourning that will last until Wednesday, November 11. Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Krakow to monitor the situation, while President Karol Nawrocki expressed deep concern over the events.

International leaders also offered condolences and condemnation. US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose labeled the event a savage and murderous attack, and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the tragedy would resonate far beyond Poland’s borders.

Source: What we know so far after Polish gunman opens fire in Krakow main square (source-feed timestamp 2026-11-07T20:23:17+00:00). AI-assisted report based on the cited linked article and its RSS feed; details were not independently verified.