A 24-year-old Polish man suspected of killing six people in central Krakow has died in hospital, Polish police say. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
The shooting began shortly before 15:00 local time in Krakow’s Main Market Square. The square is a busy public space where thousands gather daily.
The gunman opened fire as people were shopping, dining, and socializing. The sudden violence caused immediate panic.
Armed police arrived within minutes. They engaged in a gunfight with the suspect.
The suspect was shot within three minutes of the attack. This stopped further casualties.
Police identified the suspect as a 24-year-old man. His name has not been officially released.
He had a firearms permit. Authorities believe he accessed weapons from his family home.
Key Facts
- Six people were killed: four women and two men. Four were Polish. One was British. One was Austrian.
- Three bodies were found at the suspect’s home: his 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother, and 21-year-old sister.
- Four firearms were found in the suspect’s car: two AR-15 rifles and two handguns.
- At least four phones and electronic devices were seized from the suspect’s car and home.
- Several hundred rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Medical Response
Two surgeons, Professor Michal Pędziwiatr and Dr Mateusz Wierdak, were eating near the Main Market Square when the shooting began.
They abandoned their meal and rushed to the scene. They treated both the suspect and two injured police officers.
There were no ambulances or emergency staff on site. ‘There were no professionals around,’ Pędziwiatr said.
Dr Wierdak used his hands to stop severe bleeding from a police officer. This gave time for an ambulance to arrive.
Both injured officers later emerged from comas. Their recovery is stable and progressing well.
Witness Accounts
Ruby Catherine Warren, from London, heard gunfire. She yelled to her friends to run. ‘We just kept sprinting,’ she said.
They reached a hotel to find shelter. Her account shows the panic that spread quickly.
Tom Brook, from West Yorkshire, was inside a McDonald’s. He heard multiple gunshots and saw people running.
He walked into the square and saw paramedics working. ‘There was a dead body covered in foil blankets 20 meters away,’ he said.
Investigation and Motive
Initial reports said the suspect was influenced by far-right ideologies.
A minister described him as an ultra-nationalist. No specific groups were named.
Przemysław Nowak, a prosecutor’s office spokesperson, said investigations remain ongoing.
No formal link has been found to extremist groups or terrorist cells.
Authorities are reviewing social media, messages, and background records.
Government Response
Poland declared two days of national mourning.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the attack a ‘drastic case of terrorism.’
He said such attacks had not happened in Poland recently. He urged national unity and vigilance.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was shocked and saddened.
He expressed thoughts for the victims’ families. The UK said it stands in solidarity with Poland.
Aftermath
The Main Market Square reopened on Sunday evening.
A security cordon was lifted after officials confirmed safety.
Police are reviewing the suspect’s background, firearm access, and possible extremist links.
No full motive report has been released. No formal charges have been filed.
Officials say the investigation is active and details are being carefully reviewed.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: Police officers secure the area following a mass shooting in Krakow, Poland, on November 8, 2026. The shooting took place on November 7 at the Main Market Square, leaving at least six people dead and more than a dozen others injured.. Via original publisher. Image source
