What we know so far after Polish gunman in military clothing opens fire in Krakow
Quick Look
- A 25-year-old Polish man drove into Krakow's Main Market Square and opened fire, killing six people including a foreign national, before being shot and arrested within three minutes.
- Two police officers were shot while detaining him, one in very critical condition undergoing surgery.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is traveling to Krakow, and the city has declared mourning until November 11.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The attack took place in Krakow's Main Market Square, a central city location. The attacker was a 25-year-old Polish man wearing military-style attire with a military-grade weapon. Authorities found weapons and ammunition in his vehicle. Early investigations indicate inspiration by far-right ideologies, and he was described as an ultra-nationalist. His home is being searched with counter-terrorism police support.
The attack began shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) in Krakow's Main Market Square, the bustling central point of the city.
Police said a man drove into the square before beginning to fire "at random people from his car".
Footage from the scene shows scenes of panic as people fled, with the sound of gunfire clearly heard.
Armed officers raced to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with the attacker, who was shot within three minutes of the attack beginning, preventing a further massacre, officials said.
The gunman was shot but is alive and has been arrested.
Distressing footage authenticated by BBC Verify shows the moment a police officer confronts the suspect on the ground before firing his weapon several times.
The officer then falls to the ground, apparently having been injured himself.
Six people - four women and two men - are confirmed to have been killed, including a foreign national.
Sixteen people, including the attacker, were taken to hospital. Among those being treated are two police officers who were shot while detaining the attacker.
One of the police officers was described as being in a "very critical condition" by a Polish government minister after being shot three times while arresting the attacker. The officer is undergoing surgery, he added.
Polish authorities have not confirmed the names and ages of the other victims.
Police have identified the attacker as a 25-year-old Polish man but have not confirmed his name.
The suspect was wearing "military-style attire" and had a military-grade weapon, according to a police spokesperson. However, authorities have confirmed the attacker was not a soldier.
"Many pieces of weapons and ammunition were found in his vehicle", the spokesperson added.
Polish media has reported the suspect had a firearms permit and may have obtained the weapons from his family home.
A minister has said early investigations indicate he was inspired by "far-right ideologies". The minister also described him as an "ultra-nationalist" without giving further details.
His home is being searched with support from counter-terrorism police.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is on his way to Krakow and is expected to give an address later on Saturday.
Earlier, he said he was being kept informed by the interior minister and that police were investigating "the background and all the circumstances".
Krakow Mayor Łukasz Gibała has signed an order declaring a period of mourning in the city which will last until Wednesday, November 11.
President Karol Nawrocki said he was "deeply concerned" and was awaiting "a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding these tragic events".
US ambassador to Poland Tom Rose described it as a "savage and murderous attack".
The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the shooting was "a tragedy that will be felt far beyond Poland".
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will give an address in Krakow on Saturday
Very likely · Within hours
The attacker's home search by counter-terrorism police will yield further evidence
Likely · Within days
The injured police officer will undergo surgery as stated by the government minister
Very likely · Within hours
Open Questions
- The attacker's name has not been confirmed by police
- The names and ages of the other victims have not been confirmed
- The specific far-right ideologies that inspired the attacker
- The current condition of the injured police officer beyond 'very critical'







