A gunman inspired by far-right ideology unleashed a deadly attack in Krakow on Saturday, killing six people and injuring more than a dozen in the historic heart of Poland's second-largest city. The assailant, a 25-year-old Polish man, drove onto Main Market Square and opened fire randomly on crowds before being subdued by police.
Attack Unfolds in Tourist Hub
The rampage began shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) in the ornate square, a magnet for tourists. Footage showed the attacker's vehicle speeding through the city center as people fled in panic, the sound of gunfire echoing through the streets. Shop windows were shattered by bullets, and a tram was struck during the approximately three-minute assault. Images from the scene revealed overturned tables and scattered belongings left behind by those running for their lives.
Armed police pursued the attacker's car until it crashed, then engaged him in a firefight. One officer was critically injured, and another suffered less serious wounds. The gunman, dressed in military-style tactical gear and wielding a military-grade weapon, was shot and subdued but survived. He is now in custody. Authorities said he was not a member of the Polish armed forces, and more weapons and ammunition were found in his car.
Bodies Discovered at Suspect's Home
Later on Saturday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that three bodies had been found at the suspect's residence. He said there was "much to suggest" they were the gunman's immediate family members. The discovery added a grim layer to an already shocking day for Poland.
"Until now in Poland we haven't had such drastic cases of terrorism... that's what we have to call this cruel attack on people's lives here in Krakow," Tusk said.
The victims included a British national, confirmed by officials. Three of the dead were Polish, one was British, and two have not yet been identified. Among the 15 injured, two were police officers and five were foreign nationals from Britain, Austria, Russia, Germany, and Portugal.
Far-Right Ideology Suspected
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said "everything suggests that he was fascinated by far-right ideologies" and held "ultra-nationalist views." The attack has raised fears of rising extremism in the country.
Tusk named the injured officers as Senior Constable Jakub Kulik and Senior Constable Artur Morański, calling them "true heroes" who "saved many lives." One remains in critical condition.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting."
Witnesses Describe Chaos
Witnesses close to the attack described panic and confusion. Cezary, a 24-year-old university student, said he did not realize the loud bangs were gunshots until he saw four bodies on the street. "We were still hearing gunshots, a lot of people were screaming," he said, adding that he saw someone trying to resuscitate a person covered in blood.
Caitlin Shasby, a British tourist from Newcastle, heard shooting from her hotel room and was told to take shelter as police barricaded the street. Another witness told Polish news website Inertia: "I saw shots being fired from the driver's side window and smoke was coming out. I ran to the police station in the main market square - when I burst inside, it was full of people hiding on the floor."
Security was heightened across Krakow and in the capital, Warsaw. Tusk vowed that any "possible supporters of the perpetrator" would be detained and appealed to the public for information. A period of mourning has been declared in Krakow until 11 November.
