At least six people have been killed and several others injured after a gunman opened fire in central Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland. Details are still emerging, but authorities have confirmed the main outline of the attack.
The shooting began shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Saturday in the Main Market Square, one of the busiest central points of the city. Police said a man drove into the square and began shooting at people from inside his car. Footage from the scene shows people fleeing in panic as gunfire rang out.
Police exchange fire with gunman in Krakow square
Armed officers rushed to the square and engaged the attacker in a gunfight. The gunman was shot but survived and has been taken into custody. Authenticated footage shows a police officer confronting the suspect on the ground and firing his weapon several times, after which the officer himself collapses, apparently wounded.
Shop windows around the square show signs of apparent bullet damage, with broken glass scattered across the pavement. City officials have urged residents and tourists to keep away from the area while the investigation continues.
Six dead and at least 15 injured in Krakow attack
Six people, four women and two men, have been confirmed dead. At least 15 others were injured, including two police officers who were shot while detaining the attacker.
A Polish government minister described one of the officers as being in a “very critical condition”. The officer was shot three times during the arrest and is undergoing surgery, the minister added. Authorities have not yet confirmed the names or ages of the other victims.
Police have confirmed that the attacker is a male Polish citizen but have not released further details about his identity. A police spokesperson said the suspect wore “military-style attire” and carried a military-grade weapon. Officers also found many weapons and rounds of ammunition in his vehicle, the spokesperson added. Nothing has been publicly confirmed about a motive.
Witnesses describe hiding as shots rang out
The square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and a popular destination for tourists, which made the scene especially busy when the shooting began. Jonathan Balshaw, from Ipswich, was there with his Polish girlfriend, Dominika. The couple were outside St Mary’s Basilica, in a corner of the square, when the gunfire started.
Balshaw said they ran along the side of the church, went through a side door and hid with several other people until the shooting stopped. He said more than 20 shots were fired, and it sounded like several different firearms were being used.
Caitlin Shasby, from Newcastle, had arrived in Krakow the day before with her friend Jon for a long weekend. She said they heard shots from their hotel room and did not understand what was happening until staff called and told them to stay in their rooms until further notice.
Polish and international leaders respond to shooting
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is travelling to Krakow and is expected to address the public later on Saturday. Earlier, he said he was being kept informed by the interior minister and that police were examining “the background and all the circumstances” of the attack.
President Karol Nawrocki said he was “deeply concerned” and was waiting for “a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding these tragic events”. US ambassador to Poland Tom Rose described the incident as a “savage and murderous attack”. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the shooting was “a tragedy that will be felt far beyond Poland”.
