Terror attack in Kraków: What does the pirate emblem of the 24-year-old attacker symbolise
Six dead and 17 wounded in shooting at Kraków's central square. Authorities are investigating far-right motives and the symbol carried by the attacker.
Counter-terrorism investigation in Poland after massacre in Kraków
Polish prosecutorial authorities have launched a counter-terrorism investigation into the massacre at Kraków's central square, where a 24-year-old Polish man opened fire indiscriminately, killing six people and wounding 17 others, reports In.gr. Authorities described the attack as a "terrorist act" and Poland declared two days of national mourning.
The attacker, named by local media as Michal O., entered the square on Saturday at 3 p.m. at dizzying speed. He was wearing clothes reminiscent of military uniform and a bulletproof vest. A police spokesperson described the incident as a "mad run" around the square. Police officers shot at him, wounding him, and transported him to hospital, where he underwent surgery and is being held under guard.
Among the six dead are four women and two men, with three of the victims being Polish and one being British. The 17 wounded include nationals of Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia, as well as two police officers, one of whom is being treated in serious condition.
Police also confirmed that three people were found dead at the attacker's house following the attack: his 53-year-old father, his 52-year-old mother and his 21-year-old sister.
The Blackbeard symbol and far-right connections
Central to the investigation is the emblem the attacker was carrying on his clothes. This is the flag of Blackbeard, attributed to Edward Teach, one of the most famous pirates in history. The design depicts a human skeleton holding a spear that pierces a heart, with drops of blood.
Each element of the emblem carries specific symbolism: the skeleton alludes to death or a demonic figure, the hourglass indicates that the opponent's time is running out, the spear piercing the heart symbolises an absence of mercy, whilst the drops of blood represent blood that is about to be shed. The original purpose of the symbol was to terrorise ship crews into surrendering without resistance.
In modern military culture the emblem is associated with the phrase "We do not take prisoners". According to Polish media reports, the symbol was initially used by the American unit SEAL Team 3 and subsequently by other Navy SEAL divisions, before being adopted by special forces of other countries. It has also been linked to foreign mercenaries fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, whilst similar symbols are used by members of the Ukrainian Azov Assault Brigade. For this reason, authorities are examining whether the emblem is connected to the attacker's motives.
Interior minister confirms far-right beliefs
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński stated that the suspect "had a strong interest" in far-right ideologies and embraced "very radical" and "ultranationalist" views. Authorities are investigating the connection between these beliefs and the motives behind the attack.
The investigation concerns "the murder of six people using a firearm, as well as the attempted murder of many others, including police officers", according to authorities.
Source: In.gr