Gunman kills six and wounds at least 15 in Krakow's Main Market Square

Six people were killed and at least 15 wounded on Saturday when a gunman opened fire in Krakow's Main Market Square, the historic heart of Poland's second city. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as an act of terrorism and announced two days of mourning.

The suspect, a 2002-born Polish citizen, drove a car into the square and began shooting at random people, police said. Two police officers were injured while attempting to stop him, and the attacker was later detained and taken to a hospital.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said the gunman appeared to be "fascinated by far-right ideologies" and held "ultra-nationalist views," adding that weapons were found in the vehicle and the shooter wore military-style clothing. A police spokesman identified the weapon as a semi-automatic rifle similar to the American AR-15.

Among the dead was a British national, and five foreigners were among the wounded, according to police chief Marek Boron. Two of the victims have not yet been identified.

"We are shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting," British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on X, adding his thoughts were with the families of those killed and injured.

"Our highest praise goes to the heroic police officers who risked their lives in the line of duty," Tusk said.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people seeking shelter in nearby shops and restaurants. An AFP reporter noted the square was sealed off by heavily armed police and forensic investigators as the investigation continued.