At least six people have been killed and 15 others injured after a gunman opened fire on people at the Main Market Square in Krakow, southern Poland, on Saturday, November 7, prompting a major police and emergency response.
The suspect, a Polish citizen, reportedly fired randomly at people from a moving vehicle in the city’s historic centre at approximately 3 p.m. local time, according to police authorities.
The incident initially left five people dead and more than 10 injured before the regional authorities subsequently raised the death toll to six.
Police officers were among those injured, with two reportedly wounded during a confrontation with the suspected attacker.
POLICE SHOOT AND ARREST SUSPECTED GUNMAN
According to police accounts, officers confronted the suspect during the operation to stop the shooting.
A police spokesperson told reporters: “According to information from police officers, the man was wearing military style attire. During the arrest, officers used their weapons, but the man returned fire; as a result, two police officers are among the injured.”
The suspect was subsequently shot by police, arrested and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities identified him as a Polish national and said he appeared to have acted alone. Police also recovered additional weapons and ammunition from his vehicle.
The authorities have not announced a motive for the shooting.
PRIME MINISTER ORDERS INVESTIGATION
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was receiving updates from the country’s Interior Minister following the incident.
In a statement posted on X, Tusk said: “I am being kept informed by the Minister of the Interior about the situation in Krakow following the tragic shooting.”
He added that police were investigating the background and all circumstances surrounding the incident.
President Karol Nawrocki also expressed concern, saying his thoughts were with the victims, injured people and their families.
He also called for a full clarification of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and said the safety of Polish citizens remained a priority.
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AUTHORITIES URGE RESIDENTS TO AVOID AFFECTED AREAS
Emergency responders, including police officers, ambulances and medical rescue personnel, were deployed to the scene following reports of gunfire.
Authorities cordoned off parts of the city centre and urged residents and visitors to stay away from areas where security personnel were conducting operations.
The shooting also affected nearby public transportation. According to Krakow’s municipal authorities, a tram travelling close to the square was struck by gunfire from a passing vehicle, shattering the driver’s cabin window. No injuries were reported among its passengers or the driver.
Police subsequently said the incident had been contained, adding that there was no indication of another suspect at large.
SHOOTING RAISES SECURITY CONCERNS IN TOURIST CITY
Krakow, Poland’s second-largest city, is a major international tourist destination, attracting approximately 15 million visitors annually.
Its Main Market Square is among the city’s most popular landmarks, surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.
The shooting has raised fresh concerns about public safety in the historic centre, particularly given the number of residents and international visitors who frequent the area.
Police are yet to disclose whether the suspect had any previous criminal history or explain what may have motivated the attack.
