Gunman Kills Six in Krakow Market Square Before Police Arrest
A man in military-style clothing fired from his vehicle in central Poland, wounding roughly a dozen people including two officers during the arrest.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
Six people died and about 12 others were injured when a gunman opened fire in the Main Market Square in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday. The attack began shortly before 3:00 p.m. local time. Police said a man drove his car into the square and began shooting at people from inside the vehicle. Video footage captured the chaos as residents and tourists fled the area while gunfire echoed through the central plaza.
Armed police responded quickly and engaged the suspect in a shootout. The gunman was hit by police fire but remained alive when officers took him into custody. A clip verified by BBC Verify shows a police officer pinning the suspect to the ground before firing his weapon multiple times. The officer then collapsed, appearing to be injured during the confrontation.
Polish authorities confirmed that the six dead include four women and two men. They have not yet released the names or ages of the victims. Among the injured are two police officers who were shot while trying to detain the attacker. A government minister stated that one officer is in very critical condition after being struck three times. That officer is currently undergoing surgery.
The suspect is a Polish male citizen. Police described his clothing as military-style and identified his weapon as military-grade. Officials have not announced a motive or provided further details about the man’s identity. The investigation remains in its early stages as authorities work to establish the background of the incident.
City officials asked residents and tourists to avoid the square while police secure the scene. Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Krakow on Saturday and is scheduled to speak to the public later in the day. He said he had been briefed by the interior minister and that police were examining all circumstances of the shooting.
President Karol Nawrocki expressed deep concern and said he was waiting for a full explanation of the events. Tom Rose, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, called the incident a savage and murderous attack in a statement.
