Six killed and 16 injured in gun attack at Kraków market square
A 25-year-old gunman opened fire in Kraków’s main square, killing six people and wounding 16, while authorities said the suspect held ultra-nationalistic views.
Six people were killed and 16 injured after a 25-year-old Polish man opened fire with an automatic weapon in Kraków’s main market square at about 3 p.m. on Saturday. Police said the victims included four women and two men, one of whom was a British citizen, and among the wounded were two police officers and five foreign nationals.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński told a news conference that the suspect was fascinated with far-right ideologies and held “very radical” and “ultra-nationalistic” views. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the shooting as an “act of terror” targeting the city’s residents and visitors.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk later announced that three additional bodies – two women and a man – were found at the suspect’s home, likely family members. Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka posted on X that the incident had shaken the nation, while Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek said authorities would ensure the perpetrator is held fully accountable.
President Karol Nawrocki expressed concern over the tragedy and offered thoughts to the victims, the injured and their families. The attack comes as Poland reported a record 50,700 gun permits issued in 2025, bringing the total number of legally owned firearms above one million for the first time. Sunday and Monday have been declared a period of national mourning.