Polish prosecutors launch terrorism probe after Kraków market shooting
A 24-year-old suspect killed six people and injured 17 in Kraków’s main square; authorities opened a terrorism investigation and identified the gunman’s family members among the dead.
Polish prosecutors have opened a terrorism investigation after a 24-year-old man opened fire in Kraków’s main market square on Saturday, killing six people, including a British citizen, and wounding 17 others. The national prosecutor’s office said the act constituted a terrorist offence involving the killing of six people and the attempted murder of many, including police officers.
Police said the suspect, identified in local reports as Michal O, drove into the historic square at high speed, wearing military-style fatigues and a bullet-proof vest, and began shooting randomly. He was wounded in an exchange of fire with police, taken to hospital under guard, and later underwent surgery.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the suspect was fascinated with far-right ideologies and held “very radical” and “ultra-nationalistic” views. Three people found dead at the suspect’s home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski were his father, mother and sister, who police believe died from gunshot wounds.
Four women and two men were among the dead; five of the injured are foreign nationals from Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia. Two police officers were also injured, one in serious condition.
The attack prompted national mourning, with flags lowered to half-mast and candles left at the square. Security was heightened in Warsaw, and sections of the square and surrounding streets were closed for several hours.
Foreign leaders expressed condolences, including the UK prime minister, the Ukrainian president, France’s president, Germany’s chancellor and Italy’s prime minister.