At least six people have lost their lives and nearly a dozen others have been wounded after a gunman opened fire in the heart of Krakow, Poland's second-largest city. The attack, which unfolded on Saturday afternoon, has left the nation reeling and prompted an urgent investigation.
How the attack unfolded
According to police, the assailant drove into the bustling Main Market Square shortly before 3:00 PM local time (2:00 PM GMT) and began shooting indiscriminately at people from his vehicle. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as pedestrians fled in terror, with the sound of gunfire echoing through the historic square.
Armed officers responded swiftly, engaging the attacker in a fierce gunfight. The suspect was shot and wounded but survived, and he was taken into custody. Disturbing footage verified by BBC Verify captured the moment a police officer confronted the suspect on the ground and fired several shots. The officer then collapsed, apparently injured himself.
Victims and casualties
Authorities have confirmed that six people, four women and two men, were killed. Around a dozen others are being treated for injuries, including two police officers who were shot while subduing the attacker. One of the officers was shot three times and is said to be in a very critical condition, undergoing surgery, according to a Polish government minister. The names and ages of the other victims have not yet been released.
What we know about the suspect
Police have identified the attacker as a male Polish citizen but have withheld further details. He was wearing military-style clothing and used a military-grade weapon, a police spokesperson stated. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities.
Official response
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is traveling to Krakow and is expected to address the nation later on Saturday. He earlier said he was being kept informed by the interior minister and that police were investigating the background and all circumstances of the incident. President Karol Nawrocki expressed deep concern and called for a full explanation of the tragic events. US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose condemned the attack as savage and murderous.
City officials have urged residents and tourists to avoid the area while the investigation continues. The square, usually a vibrant hub of activity, remains cordoned off as forensic teams work to piece together the sequence of events.
A city in shock
Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination, is unaccustomed to such violence. The attack has sent shockwaves through Poland and beyond, raising questions about public safety and security measures in crowded places. As the community mourns, the focus will turn to understanding how this tragedy occurred and preventing future ones.
