A violent attack in Krakow, Poland, has left at least six people dead and 15 others injured, including two police officers. The incident occurred shortly before 15:00 local time on Saturday in the city’s Main Market Square, a major tourist destination and central hub. The bustling central point of the city, the attack began shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) in Krakow’s Main Market Square. People run for shelter as gunshots heard in Krakow. How many people have died and been injured. A busy location which is also a popular tourist destination, the shooting happened in one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. In the corner of the square, when the shooting started, the couple were outside St Mary’s Basilica.
Authorities reported that the assailant drove his vehicle into the crowded square and began firing at random passersby. Police confirmed that the suspect, a male Polish citizen, was dressed in military-style clothing and carried a military-grade firearm. Numerous additional weapons and a significant supply of ammunition were later recovered from his vehicle. Polish authorities have not confirmed the names and ages of the other victims. What do we know about the suspect and motive.
The suspect was taken into custody after a direct confrontation with responding officers, during which he was shot. The gunman was shot but is alive and has been arrested.
Distressing video footage, verified by Verify, captures the moment an officer engaged the attacker on the ground, firing several times before falling injured himself.
One of the wounded officers remains in very critical condition after sustaining three gunshot wounds while apprehending the perpetrator; he is currently undergoing surgery.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene as the gunfire erupted. Jonathan Balshaw, who was visiting from Ipswich, said he and his girlfriend fled to the side of St Mary’s Basilica to hide. He noted that more than 20 shots were fired, characterized by the distinct sounds of multiple firearms. Another visitor, Caitlin Shasby, recounted that she and a friend were instructed by hotel staff to remain in their rooms following the sound of shots. More than 20 with it sounding like multiple different firearms – there were two distinctly different noises, a lot of shots were fired. According to she, They heard shots from their hotel room but were not sure what was happening until their hotel rang them and told them to “stay in our rooms until further notice”. Caitlin Shasby from Newcastle arrived in Krakow yesterday with her friend Jon for a long weekend.
The impact of the incident was visible across the square, where shop windows sustained damage from bullets and glass littered the ground. City officials have requested that residents and tourists avoid the area while an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the attack continues.
While the investigation into the attacker’s motives is ongoing, high-level officials have begun to respond to the tragedy. Prime Minister Donald Tusk is traveling to Krakow and is expected to address the public later today. Earlier, he confirmed that he is receiving regular updates from the interior minister regarding the circumstances of the shooting. According to earlier, he, He was being kept informed by the interior minister and that police were investigating “the background and all the circumstances”.
President Karol Nawrocki expressed deep concern and stated he is awaiting a full explanation of the events. International figures have also weighed in; US ambassador to Poland Tom Rose condemned the incident as a savage and murderous attack, while the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, described the event as a tragedy that will be felt far beyond the borders of Poland. Details are still emerging – here is everything we know so far.
