Gunman opens fire in Polish city of Krakow, killing 6 people and injurin…

Gunman opens fire in Polish city of Krakow, killing 5 people and injuring at least 12

A shocking crime in Kraków. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. There can be no justification for this attack, and we trust the perpetrator will face justice. - Volodymyr Zelensky

Five people were killed and more than a dozen others wounded on Saturday afternoon when a gunman opened fire in the Main Market Square of Krakow, Poland. The attacker, identified by authorities as a 24-year-old Polish citizen, targeted random people from a moving vehicle before engaging in a shootout with responding officers a short distance away. Among the injured are police officers.

The tragedy struck Poland's second-largest city around 3 p.m. local time on November 7, 2026, turning a major tourist destination that draws around 15 million visitors annually into a cordoned-off hot zone. Local police urged residents to take cover as emergency services, ambulances, and a Polish Medical Air Rescue helicopter flooded the historic center. While officials have confirmed the lone suspect is in custody and that the public is safe, investigators are still working to establish a motive.

Who was wounded and how did the attack unfold?

The violence began when the suspect drove into the busy Main Market Square wearing military-style fatigues. Armed with a military-type long gun, he fired indiscriminately at pedestrians from the vehicle during what police described as a wild ride across multiple locations.

The Krakow municipal transport company reported that a route 1 tram passing near the square was also shot at, shattering the driver's cabin window at All Saint's Square. Police subsequently tracked the attacker a short distance away, where a fierce gunfight ensued. Officers shot the suspect, who was wounded in the exchange. The perpetrator was arrested, placed in police custody, and taken to the hospital for surgery.

What do we know about the suspect and his weapons?

Authorities have confirmed that the 24-year-old gunman acted alone, denying early reports that police were searching for additional accomplices. Katarzyna Cisło, a spokesperson for the Krakow police, told TVN24 that the perpetrator was wearing military-style fatigues and he used a military-type long gun in the attack. Inside the suspect's vehicle, officers discovered a large cache of additional weapons and ammunition. It remains unverified whether the long gun used in the rampage or the firearms found in the car were legally registered.

Mass shootings are uncommon in Poland.

How are leaders and officials responding to the tragedy?

The attack sent shockwaves through the Polish government and the international community. Prime Minister Donald Tusk took to X to confirm that police are investigating the attack. President Karol Nawrocki issued a statement sharing that his thoughts are with the victims, the wounded and their families. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also published a message on X expressing solidarity with Poland, stating that his country stands with the Polish people and trusts the perpetrator will face justice.

International condemnation followed quickly. Tom Rose, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, wrote on X: We are just learning details of the horrific mass shooting in Krakow, a savage and murderous attack that’s shattered the peace of Poland. America stands with Poland at this dark hour as Poland stands with her beloved citizens of Krakow.