James Campbell, a 32-year-old British DJ from Prestwick in South Ayrshire, has been identified as one of six people killed during a shooting in Krakow on Saturday, November 7.
The tragedy, which also left 15 others injured, unfolded in the Polish city’s Main Square when a gunman opened fire on passersby.
The 24-year-old assailant, who was wearing military-style clothing and a bulletproof vest, reportedly fired randomly from a black car. Polish authorities have confirmed that the gunman later died in a hospital after being shot by police. Investigators are now probing evidence that the attacker held extreme radical views and was fascinated by far-right ideologies.
A Family Tragedy and The Search for Answers
The violence in Krakow was not an isolated incident; investigators discovered the bodies of three additional victims at the suspect’s home, located approximately 100 miles northeast of the city. Polish police have confirmed these victims were the gunman’s parents and his 21-year-old sister, all of whom appeared to have died from gunshot wounds.
Regional governor of Lesser Poland, Krzysztof Jan Kleczar, provided a breakdown of the victims in the square, which included three Polish women aged 47, 53, and 61, the 32-year-old British man, and a 51-year-old woman whose nationality remains unconfirmed, as reported by Sky News. The sixth victim was identified as a Polish man, approximately 50 years old.
British Nationals Caught in the Attack
Another British citizen, 19-year-old Harry Marchant from York, was also wounded during the shooting. Mr. Marchant remains in Poland receiving medical care. His family released a statement through North Yorkshire Police confirming he is in stable condition.
Scottish DJ James Campbell named as Briton killed in Krakow shooting https://t.co/P6SkY2Tbao
“We would like to confirm that our son, Harry Marchant, was injured during the incident in Poland over the weekend. We are pleased to say he is now in a stable condition, receiving ongoing hospital treatment. We can’t express how grateful we are to the first responders, medical team, and the people of Poland for their help and care for Harry.”
the family stated. North Yorkshire Police confirmed they are currently assisting the Marchant family as their son recovers.
Police and Polish Authorities Manage the Attack Aftermath
Police Scotland is currently working with the UK Counter Terrorism Policing network and Polish authorities to manage the aftermath of the attack. Detective Chief Inspector David McAlinden of Police Scotland’s counter-terror unit said that the immediate priority is to finalize the identification process to allow for the repatriation of Mr. Campbell’s remains.
“We are aware of the tragic death of a Scottish man in Krakow. While formal identification is yet to take place, our family liaison officers are providing specialist support to his family in Scotland,” DCI McAlinden said. The Scottish government has also responded to the loss, with First Minister John Swinney expressing his condolences on social media, describing the event as an “appalling, senseless tragedy.”
Tributes have begun to pour in for Mr. Campbell. Prestwick’s local SNP branch issued a statement via Facebook, offering their “heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of local Prestwick man James Thomas Campbell.” As the investigation into the attacker’s motivations continues, authorities urge anyone with concerns regarding public safety to utilize formal reporting channels, such as the ACT early reporting service, as noted by The Independent.
More on James Campbell
A Scottish DJ has been identified by The Telegraph as one of six people shot dead in a mass shooting in Kraków, Poland. James Thomas Campbell, 32, from Prestwick in Ayrshire, was killed by a 24-year-old gunman described by prosecutors as being fascinated by extreme ideologies ⬇️… pic.twitter.com/55ZnfHSWAO
