Krakow’s storied Main Market Square, a jewel of European tourism usually bustling with life, fell silent Saturday under the gunfire of a single attacker. At least six people were killed and 15 others wounded, including two police officers and foreign nationals from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia, and Britain, in a shooting that alarmed Poland and other countries. The suspect, a 25-year-old Polish man, opened fire from his car in the city center around 3 p.m. local time.
Far-right obsession and a trail of death from market to home
The gunman, who police say acted alone, was dressed in military-style clothing and used military weapons, according to Police Deputy Inspector Katarzyna Cisło. His attack on the square was not the end of his violence. Later that day, authorities discovered three more bodies—two women and one man—at the suspect’s home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, an area about 120 miles north of Krakow. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the grim discovery, telling a crisis meeting there were “strong indications” the three victims were members of the suspect’s immediate family.
Horrifying news from Kraków. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all those affected by this brutal attack. In this difficult moment, we stand with Poland.@sikorskiradek @PolandMFA
The interior minister, Marcin Kierwinski, provided a chilling motive for the carnage. The attacker was “fascinated by far-right ideologies” and held “very radical views,” Kierwinski said at a news conference. This ideological fervor, he suggested, fueled the random violence that tore through the heart of a city known for its cultural tolerance and vibrant tourist scene.
A city in mourning, a nation on alert
The scale of the violence is profoundly unsettling for Poland, a European Union and NATO member with 38 million people where deadly shootings are extremely rare. Krakow, the country’s second-largest city, attracts about 15 million visitors a year, and the attack took place in its most iconic location. Krakow mayor Łukasz Gibała declared a period of mourning in the city until November 11. President Karol Nawrocki later extended this to a national mourning period on November 8 and 9.
🇸🇰 Minister J. Blanár: I am deeply shocked by the tragic events in Kraków. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and wish all those injured a swift recovery. #Slovakia stands in solidarity with the Polish people at this difficult time.…
The problem appears to be deepening; the number of legally owned firearms in Poland surpassed 1m for the first time this year, with the country issuing a record 50,700 gun permits in 2025—almost double the number registered in 2015.
Global solidarity and the search for answers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a “shocking crime,” stating, “Ukraine stands in solidarity with Poland and the Polish people. People have the right to safety.” The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, echoed these sentiments, writing that “Poland does not stand alone” and that the tragedy “will be felt far beyond Poland.”
The police response was swift and heroic. Officers confronted the suspect, who exchanged fire with them, resulting in two police officers being injured. One of those officers is in a serious condition after being shot three times, according to police reports. Police officials confirmed they shot and injured the attacker, who was then transported to a hospital for treatment. The speed of their intervention was praised by Tusk, who noted officers fired at the attacker just three minutes after receiving the report.
Despite the official statements, a critical question remains unanswered: What was the gunman’s full motive? While authorities have linked him to far-right ideologies, a clear, definitive reason for the attack has not yet been established. The discovery of the three bodies at his home further complicates the picture, suggesting a personal dimension to his violence that is still being unraveled. The investigation is ongoing, and the full story of what led to this day of bloodshed is still being written.
A shocking crime in Kraków. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. There can be no justification for this attack, and we trust the perpetrator will face justice. We wish strength and a…
Earlier coverage: Deadly Shooting in Krakow Main Square Leaves Five Dead and Dozens Injured
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The tragic shooting in Kraków, which has claimed lives and left several people injured, is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I wish all those injured a speedy recovery. 😞@donaldtusk, Latvia stands in…
We are just learning details of the horrific mass shooting in Kraków, a savage and murderous attack that’s shattered the peace of Poland. What we know so far is that several innocent precious lives were viciously cut down on a Saturday afternoon in Kraków’s historic and iconic…
