Suspect in Kraków market square shooting dies in hospital
Police said the 24-year-old gunman who killed six people in Kraków's main market square died early Monday after being wounded in a shootout.
Polish police confirmed that the 24-year-old suspect in the Kraków market square shooting died in hospital early on Monday. The man, identified in local reports as Michal O, was wounded during a confrontation with police after opening fire on Saturday afternoon, killing six people and injuring 17.
The national prosecutor's office announced that it had opened a terrorism investigation into the attack, which involved the use of a firearm and attempted murder of multiple victims, including police officers. Interior ministry spokeswoman Karolina Galecka said that various emblems on the suspect's clothing are being examined by specialists, but declined further comment while the investigation continues.
Police also reported that three people found dead at the suspect's home after the attack were his father, mother and sister. Among the injured were five foreign nationals from Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia, as well as two police officers, one of whom remains in serious condition.
Interior minister Marcin Kierwiński described the suspect as having "very radical" and "ultra-nationalistic" views, suggesting a possible far-right ideological influence. The incident has heightened concerns about extremism in Poland following a series of school-related stabbings earlier in the year.
Kraków police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło said the suspect entered the historic city centre in a vehicle, drove at high speed, and began shooting while wearing military-style fatigues and a bullet-proof vest.