A 24-year-old gunman killed six people and injured 15 others during a shooting in the Main Square of Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The perpetrator, a Polish citizen, drove into the historic city center and fired at random bystanders before being shot and wounded during a gunfight with police officers.
The attacker wore military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest while using a military-type long gun, according to Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło. Authorities reported that the gunman continued to fire at officers even after he was shot; he was eventually apprehended and taken to a hospital for surgery. Police recovered additional weapons and ammunition from his vehicle.
The victims included four women and two men. Among the 15 injured were two police officers, one of whom sustained serious wounds, according to Poland’s interior minister. A Krakow municipal transport company reported that the driver of a tram near the square also came under fire, resulting in a shattered cabin window around 3:00 p.m.
For the residents of Krakow and the 15 million annual visitors, the shooting marks an instance of public violence in a country where mass shootings are described by authorities as uncommon. Families of the six deceased individuals and the 15 wounded, including the two police officers, face medical and psychological impacts. The specific legal status of the weapons used—whether they were among the legally permitted firearms in Poland—remains under investigation, which may influence discussions regarding gun ownership regulations in a country where interest in permits has been increasing.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki issued statements acknowledging the response of law enforcement and expressing sympathy for the victims. Police have stated the gunman acted alone and that there is no further threat to the public. As of the latest reports, the perpetrator is undergoing medical treatment, and authorities have not yet announced formal charges or a trial date. Investigative efforts continue to determine how the weapons were obtained and the motive behind the attack.