Six dead after gunman attacks Krakow’s Main Market Square
Police have arrested the attacker after a deadly assault in one of Europe's largest medieval squares. Officials have not yet confirmed a motive.
Key points
- Six people, four women and two men, have been confirmed killed in Krakow, Poland.
- At least 15 people were injured, including two police officers shot during the arrest.
- The gunman was wounded, is alive, and has been taken into custody.
- Police found weapons and ammunition in the suspect's vehicle; no motive has been confirmed.
A man with a gun attacked the heart of Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland, leaving six people dead and at least 15 hurt, according to BBC News. The attack took place on Saturday afternoon in the city’s Main Market Square, a large medieval square and a popular destination for tourists.
Police said the suspect drove into the square and began shooting at people from inside his vehicle. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people ran for cover while gunfire echoed across the square.
How the attack unfolded
The shooting began shortly before 15:00 local time, or 14:00 GMT. Armed officers rushed to the scene and exchanged fire with the attacker. The gunman was shot and wounded, but he survived and was arrested.
BBC Verify has authenticated footage showing a police officer confronting the suspect on the ground and firing his weapon several times. The officer then appears to collapse, apparently wounded himself.
Shop windows around the square were damaged, apparently by bullets, and glass lay scattered across the pavement. City officials have asked residents and visitors to keep away from the area while the investigation continues.
Casualties and the suspect
Six victims, four women and two men, have been confirmed dead. Polish authorities have not yet released the names or ages of those killed.
Two officers, both hit by gunfire during the arrest, are among the wounded. A Polish government minister said one of them is in very critical condition after being shot three times, and is undergoing surgery.
Police have confirmed that the attacker is a male Polish citizen. He reportedly wore military-style clothing and carried a military-grade weapon. Officers said a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was found in his vehicle. Nothing has been publicly confirmed about why he carried out the attack.
Witness accounts
Jonathan Balshaw, from Ipswich, was in the square with his Polish girlfriend, Dominika, when the shooting started. The couple ran down the side of St Mary’s Basilica and hid inside with other people until the gunfire stopped. He said he heard more than 20 shots, and that they appeared to come from several different weapons.
Caitlin Shasby, from Newcastle, had arrived in Krakow the day before for a long weekend with her friend Jon. She said they heard shots from their hotel room. The hotel then told them to stay inside until further notice.
Reaction in Poland and abroad
Prime Minister Donald Tusk was travelling to Krakow and was expected to address the public later on Saturday. Earlier, he said he was receiving updates from the interior minister and that police were examining the background and wider circumstances of the attack.
Karol Nawrocki, the Polish president, voiced serious worry and said he is seeking a thorough account of what occurred. US ambassador to Poland Tom Rose called the attack a brutal and deadly act. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, said the tragedy would be felt well beyond Poland.
Why it matters
The attack happened in one of the most visited public spaces in the city, and it has affected both residents and foreign visitors. Officials have not yet said what led to the violence, so the investigation remains the main focus. Further details on the victims, the injured officers and the suspect are expected as authorities release more information.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed in the Krakow shooting?
Six people, four women and two men, have been confirmed killed. At least 15 others were injured, including two police officers.
Is the gunman in custody?
Yes. The attacker was shot during a gunfight with armed officers, survived, and has been arrested.
Has a motive been confirmed?
No. Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive, and police are still investigating the background and circumstances.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
