At least nine people have been killed after a 25-year-old far-right extremist opened fire in Poland’s second-largest city, Krakow, in one of the country’s deadliest attacks in recent history.
Six people were killed and 15 others injured when the gunman allegedly fired indiscriminately at pedestrians in the city’s historic Main Market Square. Police later discovered three more bodies at the suspect’s home, which authorities believe may belong to his close family members.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in Poland’s history.
The shooting took place at around 3pm local time on Saturday when the suspect, reportedly dressed in military-style clothing, drove into the busy square and opened fire with a military-grade weapon. The attack lasted approximately three minutes, shattering shop windows and damaging a nearby tram.
Armed police officers pursued the suspect and eventually forced his vehicle to crash. Following an exchange of gunfire, they arrested him while he was injured. Two police officers were also wounded in the confrontation, one of whom remains in critical condition.
Victims Include Foreign Nationals
Of the six people killed in the square, three were Polish nationals and one was a British citizen. The identities of the remaining two victims had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.
The 15 injured included two police officers and foreign tourists from Britain, Australia, Russia, Germany and Portugal.
Polish authorities said the three additional bodies were found at the suspect’s residence. Prime Minister Tusk indicated that they were believed to be members of the gunman’s immediate family, possibly his parents and a sibling.
Suspect Had Far-Right Extremist Views
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the 25-year-old Polish national was not a member of the armed forces but was deeply influenced by radical nationalist and far-right ideology.
Security measures have been tightened across Krakow following the attack. Authorities have also declared a period of national mourning until November 11, while additional security precautions have been introduced in the capital, Warsaw.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to establish the motive behind the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the three additional deaths.
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