Shock in Krakow as gunman opens fire on crowded market square, killing six

Six people are dead and about 15 more injured, 12 critically, after a gunman drove onto Krakow’s historic Main Market Square on Saturday afternoon and began shooting at random passers-by. Polish police say the attack started just after 3pm when a man in a black Subaru entered the square from Sławkowska Street and opened fire from the vehicle.

Witnesses described sudden bursts of gunfire that sent tourists and locals scrambling for cover in cafes, shops and side streets. One waitress told local media she heard a rapid series of shots, then saw people running in panic. Another witness said he was pulled into a doorway by a stranger shouting that something terrible was happening.

What police have confirmed so far

Małopolska Police say the only known perpetrator is a Polish citizen. Officers shot and wounded him during a confrontation at the junction of Stradomska and Dietla streets, roughly a mile from the square. He returned fire, injuring at least two police officers, one of whom is reported to be in a very serious condition.

Police confirmed the suspect was wearing military-style clothing and used a long-barrelled weapon. A large quantity of other firearms and ammunition was later found in the car. Officials have denied earlier suggestions that a second attacker is still at large. Poland has previously faced cases of illegal firearms trafficking, as covered in Euro Weekly News’ report on a Polish national arrested for trafficking firearms.

Dozens of passersby stopped after the perpetrator was neutralised by police to perform CPR on victims before the ambulance crews arrived. The vehicle of the suspected criminal could be seen with the windshield broken by multiple bullets.

Background and official reactions

Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incident as a “zamach” (attack) and said police are examining every detail of the background. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński travelled to Krakow, while the city’s mayor said a crisis team is operating at the town hall and asked residents to stay calm. Tusk has been dealing with other high-profile domestic issues in recent days, including the Poland court chaos involving the Constitutional Tribunal.

No motive has been announced. Investigators are looking into the suspect’s possible military connections, any psychiatric history and the legal status of the weapons. Unconfirmed media reports put his age in the mid-20s, but police have not released a name.

This attack comes only days after a wave of hoax bomb threats disrupted flights across Europe, including services linked to Poland. For more on recent security alerts affecting the region, see Euro Weekly News’ coverage of the latest bomb scares hitting European flights. Travellers heading to Poland have also faced earlier airport disruptions, detailed in Flying to Poland? Travellers warned after two airports shut.

More updates are expected as Polish prosecutors and police continue their work at the scene. Official statements remain limited while the investigation is ongoing.