Police in Poland have formally opened an investigation into a mass shooting in Kraków that killed six people, treating the attack as a terrorist act, prosecutors confirmed on Sunday. The suspect, a Polish national in his mid-20s from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyskie, was shot by police at the scene and remains in critical condition in a hospital. Authorities say he was motivated by ultranationalistic and far-right ideologies, though the full investigation is ongoing.
Immediate Response and Core Facts
The attack occurred in Kraków’s main market square on Saturday, where the gunman opened fire at midday, killing four women and two men. A police officer who confronted the suspect was also critically injured. The suspect was taken into custody after being shot by responding officers around 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, regional governor Krzysztof Klęczar told a news conference Sunday.
Three additional bodies were discovered in the suspect’s apartment in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyskie, approximately 93 miles northeast of Kraków. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed on Saturday that the victims were the suspect’s father, mother, and sister, all aged in their 50s. The suspect is now facing murder charges in connection with all nine deaths, according to Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek, who stated on social media platform X that the suspect’s actions were intended to “seriously intimidate a large number of people.”
Deeper Context and Ongoing Investigation
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński described the suspect as having “ultranationalistic” views and possessing an automatic rifle during the attack. Prosecutor Tomasz Waszczuk told ABC News that preliminary findings indicate the motive behind the attack was tied to far-right ideology, though he did not provide further details. The investigation is being led by terror offence specialists within the prosecutor’s office, with priorities including establishing the full sequence of events and securing evidence.
Poland’s government declared two national days of mourning following the attack, with world leaders offering tributes. The country’s defense minister characterized the incident as a “terror attack,” reflecting the gravity of the event, which is the deadliest shooting in Poland in decades.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name, citing the ongoing investigation. Regional police confirmed the suspect was armed with an automatic rifle and that the weapon was recovered at the scene. The investigation remains active, with officials emphasizing the need to determine all circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Official Statements and Next Steps
- Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek stated the suspect’s actions meet the legal definition of a terrorist offence, citing intent to intimidate the public.
- Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński confirmed the suspect’s far-right ideological leanings and noted the use of a military-style weapon.
- Prosecutor Tomasz Waszczuk indicated the investigation would proceed under terrorism-related charges, pending further evidence.
- Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the identities of the three additional victims in the suspect’s home, describing the case as a “tragic and unprecedented event.”
The investigation is expected to continue in the coming days, with authorities urging the public to avoid speculation until all facts are verified.