A gunman killed five people and wounded more than 12 others in a shooting at Krakow’s Main Square on Saturday, November 7. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. local time in the city's central tourist district.
The shooting began when a man in a vehicle opened fire on bystanders as he drove into the square. A tram driver reported that his vehicle was also targeted, resulting in a shattered cabin window. Krakow police stated that the perpetrator appeared to be targeting people at random.
Katarzyna Cisło, a spokesperson for the Krakow police, told TVN24 that the gunman wore military-style fatigues and utilized a military-type long gun. Following the initial attack, the suspect engaged in a gunfight with police officers a short distance away. Officers shot and wounded the suspect before taking him into custody. Police reported finding additional weapon components and ammunition inside the suspect’s vehicle.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that authorities are investigating the background and circumstances of the event. Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed condolences to the victims and their families. U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose said the United States stands with Poland following the incident.
The scale of the event is significant for Poland, where Krakow police noted that mass shootings are uncommon. For the city's residents and business owners, the immediate impact included a large-scale emergency response featuring police cordons, multiple ambulances, and a Polish Medical Air Rescue helicopter landing in the historic center. Transport was also impacted, as evidenced by the gunfire directed at a municipal tram.
In the coming days, the public and international visitors will see a heightened police presence as investigators process the scene and the suspect's vehicle. The legal proceedings for the wounded suspect will follow as police determine a motive. As of Saturday evening, police stated they believe the gunman acted alone and that there is no further immediate threat to the public. No specific dates for court appearances or the reopening of the square were provided in initial reports.