Krakow Mass Shooting Leaves Six Dead, Shocks Poland Ahead of Independence Day

A gunman opened fire into a crowd in the heart of Krakow before attempting to flee, leaving six people dead and 15 injured in one of the deadliest acts of public violence Poland has faced in recent years. Authorities say the suspect was captured after a crash, while investigators work to establish a motive

KRAKOW, Poland — A mass shooting in the center of Krakow killed six people and wounded 15 others Saturday, transforming the city’s historic main square into the scene of a major police operation and prompting an outpouring of grief across Poland and beyond.

Authorities said a Polish citizen opened fire from his vehicle into a crowd gathered in the city center before trying to escape. The attempt ended when the suspect’s car crashed into another vehicle near an intersection in the city. Police pursued the gunman, wounded him during the arrest operation and took him into custody. He was later transferred to a hospital.

The victims were identified as four women and two men, according to Polish police. Among the injured were two police officers, one of whom was reported to be in serious condition.

Investigators are focusing not only on the attack itself but also on what officers discovered inside the suspect’s vehicle. Police recovered a substantial cache of firearms and ammunition, raising questions about the scale of the attack and whether additional violence may have been planned.

According to the Polish Press Agency, the suspect was dressed in military-style clothing and was carrying what appeared to be a long gun, likely an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle. A photojournalist at the scene reported that the vehicle attempted to leave the area before crashing. A subsequent search uncovered a military backpack, ammunition pouches and a bayonet in the trunk.

As speculation mounted, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the suspect had never served in the Polish armed forces. Authorities have not announced a motive and said the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.

The shooting triggered an immediate response at the highest levels of government. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek described the attack as an “enormous tragedy,” urging the public not to interfere with emergency personnel and investigators working at the scene. He expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and said prosecutors, police and emergency responders had moved quickly to secure evidence and reconstruct the events.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk offered condolences to relatives of those killed and praised officers who intervened during the attack. He also appealed to political leaders to avoid exploiting the tragedy for partisan purposes, saying authorities would establish all the circumstances surrounding the crime.

President Karol Nawrocki said he was in contact with security services and expected a full accounting of what occurred. Bartosz Grodecki, head of the National Security Bureau, traveled to Krakow as the investigation intensified.

The attack drew reactions from across Europe. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the loss of life would be felt well beyond Poland’s borders and conveyed condolences to Polish officials. She emphasized that Poland would not face the aftermath alone.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned what she called a “cowardly and unacceptable act of violence,” while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy’s diplomatic and consular network was prepared to assist Italian citizens in the area if necessary.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed solidarity with Poland, describing the shooting as a shocking crime and reiterating that people have a right to live in safety.

Krakow is now preparing to commemorate the victims. Mayor Łukasz Gibała declared a citywide day of mourning on Nov. 11, a date that coincides with Poland’s Independence Day, ensuring that a national celebration will instead unfold under the shadow of a tragedy that has shaken the country.