Krakow gunman was fascinated by far-right ideologies, minister says

The attacker, who has not been publicly named, wore military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest and used a military-type long gun, Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło said. Police found "many pieces of weapons and ammunition" in his vehicle.

The gunman drove to multiple spots in the square and opened fire at each stop, engaging in what Cisło described as a "wild ride" around the square, which is why people were wounded at several locations. The attacker kept firing at police even after being shot, she said.

Four women and two men were killed. Sixteen people were injured in total, including the suspect, two police officers and five foreign nationals. One police officer was shot three times and is in a "very critical condition," according to a Polish government minister. It was not immediately clear how many of the injured were shot; two were treated and released.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said drone footage appeared to show three bodies inside the home of the man behind the mass shooting, two women and one man who appear to be close members of the gunman's family.

Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the attack as an "act of terror."

Police confirmed the attacker acted alone and that the public is safe. He was a Polish citizen, police said, rebuking conspiracy theories on social media.

Mass shootings are uncommon in Poland. However, in mid-October three attacks at schools in the central province of Mazovia took place within four days, leaving one person dead and many wounded, including children. Around 411,000 people hold gun permits in Poland, which has a population of 37 million, and interest in gun ownership has been rising, according to recent figures. Poland issued a record 50,700 gun permits in 2025.

Krakow mayor Łukasz Gibała declared a period of mourning in the city until November 11 and vowed that Krakow will remain open to visitors despite the tragedy. "The square will belong to us again," Gibała said in a video posted to X.

Tusk wrote on X: "My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic attack in Kraków. The highest praise for the heroic police officers who risked their lives. And a heartfelt appeal to politicians of all stripes: do not exploit this tragedy. We will establish all the circumstances of this crime."

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said his thoughts are with the victims and that he expects "a full explanation of the circumstances." The head of the National Security Bureau was on his way to the city.

Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek wrote that authorities would "ensure that the perpetrator of this crime is held fully accountable and severely punished."