Krakow attack: gunman in critical condition, interrogation not possible
Following the massacre on Krakow's market square that left six dead, prosecutors are investigating on terrorism charges. The 24-year-old perpetrator is seriously injured and cannot be questioned.
Krakow gunman in critical condition – motives remain unclear
Following the fatal attack on Krakow's Main Market, Polish prosecutors are investigating terrorism charges against a 24-year-old Polish man. According to authorities, the man is in critical condition and cannot currently be interrogated. As reported by Tages-Anzeiger, authorities will first wait to see whether he survives before deciding on further steps such as interrogation.
The attacker shot six people on the market square (Rynek Glowny) from a moving car on Saturday. While fleeing, he caused an accident and was seriously injured when subdued by police officers. Three more bodies – his sister and both parents – were later found in a house in the small town of Ostrowiec Swietokryzskie. It is believed he shot them as well.
A spokesman for the prosecution described the exact locations where victims were found on the market square to news agency PAP: one victim was found inside a shop, another at the entrance of a store, a third near St. Mary's Basilica near the parking spaces for horse-drawn carriages popular with tourists. Three more people died at a street intersection at the edge of the square – apparently also random victims. Among the dead are a British national and an Austrian. Among the numerous injured are nationals from Germany, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Austria and Russia.
The perpetrator's motive remains unclear. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski reported the man held radical views and was fascinated by far-right ideologies. The prosecution described the act as having a "terrorist character". Final clarification is not possible as long as the gunman cannot make statements.
Evidence collection at the crime scene is now largely complete. Poland entered a period of national mourning following the attack: radio and television broadcasters removed entertainment programmes, theatres cancelled performances, concerts began with a minute's silence.
In the city centre, people laid candles and flowers. Solidarity cards bearing the words "Je suis Krakow" were visible. A rally was announced for Monday evening on the Main Market. "Let us show solidarity in this difficult time and demonstrate that Krakow will always be a proud, hospitable and open city," appealed Mayor Lukasz Gibala on social media.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep dismay. In a condolence message, he expressed his solidarity with all those affected and assured them they would be in his prayers. Poland is a traditionally strongly Catholic country.
Source: Tages-Anzeiger