Terrorist attack in Kraków: six dead, wounded police officer neutralises gunman
A man opened fire in Kraków's Main Square on Saturday, killing six people and injuring fifteen others. A police officer severely wounded managed to neutralise the attacker.
Six dead in Kraków's Main Square following terrorist shooting
According to rtl.be, the incident took place at approximately 15:00 on Saturday in Kraków's Main Square, one of Poland's most frequently visited tourist sites. A man drove a vehicle onto the old town square before opening fire on passers-by. A spokesman for the local police indicated that the individual was firing "randomly".
Surveillance camera footage shows the end of a pursuit between the gunman and law enforcement. The attacker exited his vehicle and opened fire in the direction of police officers. One of them, severely wounded, managed to neutralise him before collapsing to the ground.
Death toll increased over the course of hours
Initial reports indicated two dead and eight injured. Polish authorities ultimately confirmed six deaths — four women and two men, including one British national. Fifteen people were hospitalised with gunshot wounds, including five foreigners of British, Portuguese, Russian, German and Austrian nationality, according to police cited by the PAP agency.
Ten Polish citizens also numbered among the injured, including two police officers. The health of those hospitalised improved slightly overnight, but not all are yet out of danger, a police spokeswoman stated to Polish media.
Several carriage drivers were severely wounded. Dorota Litwicka, president of Kraków's carriage drivers' association, indicated that two of them are between life and death, and that others are suffering serious injuries. The PAP agency reports, on the basis of this statement, that some carriage horses were also sustained superficial wounds.
Investigation opened for terrorism, far-right profile mentioned
The public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into an act with "terrorist character". The gunman, operated on after being severely wounded, was in a critical condition on Sunday morning. Investigators believe he acted alone and are seeking to establish his motivations as well as his psychological profile.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski provided clarification during a press briefing: "Everything points to the fact that he held very, very radical opinions. Everything indicates that he was fascinated by far-right ideologies. Even if this still has to be verified."
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced in the evening that three bodies had been found at the gunman's home, probably those of his parents and his sister.
Reactions from Poland's highest levels and abroad
Prime Minister Tusk described the event as a "tragic shooting". Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed his "immense concern" and stated on social network X: "I am awaiting full explanations regarding the circumstances of these dramatic events. The safety of Poles is an absolute priority."
Two days of national mourning were declared in Poland.
Belgium also responded. In a message published on X, Belgian authorities expressed their solidarity with Poland and called on Belgian nationals present in the region to carefully follow the instructions of local authorities. The Belgian embassy in Warsaw remains available for anyone in need of assistance.
Source: Google News BE FR