Poland Opens Terrorism Probe After Deadly Krakow Shooting

On Saturday afternoon the tranquil rhythm of Krakow’s Main Market Square was shattered by a hail of bullets. A 24‑year‑old Polish man, dressed in military‑style clothing and armed with a semi‑automatic rifle, began firing at random, leaving six people dead and fifteen others wounded.

Among the dead was a British tourist, while the injured hailed from Austria, Britain, Germany, Portugal and Russia, according to the PAP news agency. The shooter was wounded by police and is currently in critical condition in a hospital.

Two police officers were also hit while pursuing the gunman. One of them, identified as Jakub Kulik, suffered serious injuries but is now in a stable condition. Authorities have appealed for blood donations to help him recover.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk swiftly described the rampage as an act of “terrorism”. Investigators say the attacker had a fascination with far‑right ideologies, although he had no prior criminal record and was a member of a local shooting club together with his father.

Later that night, police searching the suspect’s home in the town of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski – about 150 km northeast of Krakow – found three bodies. They turned out to be his parents, aged 53 and 52, and his 21‑year‑old sister. Preliminary examinations indicate they all died from gunshot wounds, and seven firearms were recovered from the apartment.

The city centre remains cordoned off as mourners leave candles and flowers at the square. In response to the tragedy, Poland declared two days of national mourning beginning Sunday, and Kraków’s mayor signed a local mourning order that will stay in effect until November 11.

While the investigation continues, officials are piecing together the motive behind the shooting. The terrorism probe will examine possible ideological influences, connections to extremist groups, and any signs of pre‑meditation.

Poland’s interior ministry has also called on the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity, underscoring the country’s resolve to prevent another such tragedy.