A mass shooting in the heart of Poland has left six people dead and at least 15 others injured after a heavily armed gunman opened fire on pedestrians in one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The attack unfolded Saturday afternoon in Kraków, where authorities say a lone gunman drove into the city’s historic Main Market Square and began firing at people gathered in the busy public area.
According to Polish police, the shooting began around 3 p.m. local time when a man driving a black Subaru entered the square from Sławkowska Street.
The suspect reportedly opened fire from inside his vehicle, targeting people in an area surrounded by restaurants, cafes and historic landmarks.
Main Market Square is one of Kraków’s most recognizable destinations and forms part of the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
The popular tourist area is frequently crowded with residents and visitors, making the Saturday afternoon attack particularly devastating.
Authorities confirmed that six people were killed, including four women and two men.
At least 15 additional people sustained injuries during the violence.
The attack also extended beyond the immediate shooting location.
Around the same time, gunfire struck a tram traveling through nearby All Saints’ Square, shattering a window in the driver’s compartment.
Fortunately, authorities reported no injuries aboard the tram.
Police quickly launched a response to locate and apprehend the attacker.
Officers eventually confronted the suspect near the intersection of Dietla and Stradomska streets, where an exchange of gunfire erupted.
During the confrontation, police shot and wounded the gunman before successfully taking him into custody.
Investigators identified the suspect as a Polish citizen believed to be in his mid-20s, although his name has not been publicly released.
Authorities said he was wearing military-style clothing and carrying a long firearm resembling a military weapon.
A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a substantial quantity of additional weapons and ammunition.
Early reports suggested that a second individual might have participated in the shooting.
However, police later dismissed those claims, confirming that the only known attacker had been apprehended.
The violence also left members of law enforcement seriously injured.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński confirmed that one police officer sustained three gunshot wounds and remained in very critical condition while undergoing surgery.
A second officer was also wounded during the incident.
Kierwiński praised the responding officers for confronting the gunman despite the significant danger.
“Police officers in Krakow risked their lives to intervene. Immediately. Thanks to their heroic actions, the attacker was quickly apprehended,” the interior minister wrote on X.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also addressed the tragedy, confirming that he was receiving updates from Kierwiński as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, per Trending Politics.
Tusk subsequently expressed condolences to the families of those killed and commended officers who responded to the emergency.
He also urged political leaders not to exploit the tragedy while investigators continue gathering evidence.
The shooting has raised serious questions about what motivated the attacker and how he obtained the weapons recovered by authorities.
However, investigators have not publicly established a motive.
Police have also not released additional personal details about the suspect beyond identifying him as a Polish national.
The attack occurred in a historic district known internationally for its architecture, public squares and tourist attractions.
St. Mary’s Basilica, one of Kraków’s most recognizable landmarks, stands near the area where the shooting began.
Saturday’s violence transformed the ordinarily busy destination into the scene of a major police operation.
With six people dead, numerous others injured and two officers wounded, authorities are now focused on determining what led to the deadly assault.
The suspected gunman remains in custody following his confrontation with police.
As investigators continue examining the evidence, Polish officials have not announced any additional arrests or identified a broader conspiracy connected to the attack.
