24-year-old shooting in Kraków: 9 killed, two police officers wounded
On 7 November, a 24-year-old resident of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski opened fire with a long gun on the Main Market Square in Kraków. Nine people were killed in the attack, including three members of the perpetrator's family.
Tragic events in the heart of Kraków
The Saturday afternoon of 7 November will forever remain in the memory of Kraków's residents. Shortly before 3 p.m., a black Subaru Impreza drove onto the Main Market Square from Szczepańska Street. The driver stopped at the entrance to Sławkowska Street and began shooting at random passers-by with a long gun.
According to malopolska.policja.gov.pl, the 24-year-old moved through the streets of the old town, shooting at people trying to find shelter. He stopped at the level of the Church of the Assumption, from where he changed direction to Grodzka Street. At the junction with Franciszkańska Street, he fired shots at a tram departing from the stop.
A police chase began at 3:01 p.m. A patrol car immediately pursued the perpetrator, supported by a municipal guard vehicle. Shooting continued along Stradomska Street. At the junction of Dietla and Stradomska Streets, the perpetrator's car collided with a private vehicle. This was when an exchange of fire occurred between police and the attacker. Both the perpetrator and both police officers involved in the intervention were seriously wounded.
In total, 6 people were killed as a result of the attack in Kraków. Three additional victims – two women and a man who were members of the perpetrator's family – were found by Świętokrzyskie police officers in his flat in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. The total death toll thus rose to 9 people.
After the vehicle was stopped, it was evacuated on site due to the possibility of carrying hazardous materials. It turned out, however, that the vehicle contained firearm units and ammunition, without explosive charges. The gun and vehicle were transported to the Provincial Police Headquarters in Kraków for detailed forensic examination.
A rescue operation on a massive scale immediately began on the Main Market Square. Passers-by and emergency services rescued the wounded, who were transported to several Kraków hospitals. Examinations continued into the late evening hours both on the Square and along the entire route of the perpetrator's escape.
On Sunday morning, 8 November, investigators decided to repeat examinations of the shooting locations. The Main Market Square, the escape route and the place where the perpetrator was stopped were cordoned off. Around 6 p.m., examinations were completed and the areas were returned to residents.
The National Prosecutor's Office initiated proceedings concerning an attack of a terrorist nature. The Provincial Police Commander in Kraków appointed on 10 November a special team composed of experienced police officers from the Małopolskie garrison to clarify the circumstances of the incident and the perpetrator's motives.
Immediately after the attack, police psychologists from the Psychology Section of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Kraków were sent to the scene. Since then, they have provided support not only to officers and their families, but also to eyewitnesses of the event. On Sunday, the Kraków Centre for Blood Donation and Haematology opened its facility, welcoming dozens of residents wishing to donate blood for the injured.
Source: Google News PL — Crime (pl)