A deadly shooting in Poland’s historic city of Krakow has left six people dead and at least 15 injured, triggering a major security investigation. Authorities suspect the attacker held radical far-right views, raising concerns about extremist violence.
The attack occurred on Saturday, November 7, 2026, when a gunman drove into Krakow’s crowded Main Market Square and opened fire on pedestrians. The popular tourist destination quickly became the scene of panic as people rushed into nearby shops and restaurants for safety.
Police identified the suspect as a Polish citizen born in 2002. He reportedly wore military-style clothing and used a semi-automatic rifle resembling an AR-15.
Four women and two men were killed. A British national was among the victims, while five foreign citizens suffered injuries. Two police officers were also wounded while confronting the attacker.
Security personnel eventually shot and injured the suspect before taking him into custody. Investigators subsequently recovered additional weapons and ammunition from his vehicle.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said preliminary evidence suggested the attacker was influenced by far-right and ultranationalist ideologies. However, investigators have not established a definitive motive.
The investigation took another disturbing turn when police discovered three bodies at the suspect’s residence in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski. Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that the victims, including two women and a man, were believed to be close relatives of the suspect.
Tusk described the shooting as an act of terrorism and announced two days of national mourning.
The tragedy represents one of Poland’s deadliest shootings in decades, prompting renewed concerns about public security and extremist threats.
