6 killed and 16 injured in random shooting in downtown Poland, gunman died in hospital

A fatal shooting occurred in the southern Polish city of Krakow on the 7th, killing at least 6 people and injuring 16 others. The picture shows people laying flowers for the deceased next to the central square in Krakow. (AFP)

A fatal shooting occurred in the southern Polish city of Krakow on the 7th. A gunman opened fire in the central square, killing at least 6 people and injuring 16 others. The gunman was shot and wounded by the police and was taken to the hospital. He eventually died in the hospital on the 9th. In addition, the police also found the remains of the gunman’s parents and sister at his home about 193 kilometers away from Krakow.

According to reports from CNN and Reuters, a gunman drove into Krakow's central square on the afternoon of the 7th and randomly opened fire on the crowd from his car, killing four women and two men. The gunmen's offensive also injured 16 people, including two policemen.

After the gunman was shot by the police, he was taken to the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries, but died in the hospital on the 9th. The Polish police posted on X on the 9th, "We inform everyone that the perpetrator of this tragic incident passed away in the hospital this morning."

Polish news outlet TVN24 quoted Polish police as saying that the gunman was wearing military-style clothing and using "military weapons" when he committed the crime. The police also found weapons and ammunition in his car. The Polish prosecutor's office also pointed out that the shooting in Krakow's central square and the murder at the gunman's home were most likely committed by the same person, but the relevant investigation is still ongoing.

The police have not yet announced the identity of the gunman. Little is known about his background, and the motive for the crime has not yet been fully clarified. Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński pointed out that the gunman was fascinated by far-right ideas and held "very radical views."

The suspect was a shooting club member

Adam Chyb, spokesman for the Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski Shooting Club in the Holy Cross region, said on the 8th that the shooter belonged to the club, but the club only provides sports shooting training and does not provide tactical or military shooting training.

Poland has strict rules on gun acquisition, with only a handful of people allowed to possess military-style weapons or carry guns in public places. According to statistics from the Associated Press, Poland has a population of more than 37 million, of which about 411,000 hold gun licenses.