On Saturday afternoon, at approximately 15:00 local time, a man in military camouflage clothing drove a car onto Krakow's Main Square (Rynek Główny) and began firing indiscriminately at pedestrians from the vehicle. Five people were killed in the attack, and around 10 others were injured, including two police officers, the police of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship announced.
According to information from Polish radio station RMF FM, the attacker entered the square in a black Subaru car without number plates, and used a semi-automatic AR-15 type rifle during the attack. He also fired at a public transport tram. The attack took place in front of the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the centre of Poland's second-largest city, located about 250 kilometres from Warsaw.
Police intervened by opening fire on the attacker, wounding and detaining him. The suspect was transported to hospital in critical condition and is undergoing surgery. According to the Associated Press, police found additional weapons and ammunition in the attacker's car. Regional police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło confirmed that the attacker is a Polish citizen, and the police of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship stated that the perpetrator is a citizen of the Republic of Poland. He did not have personal documents on him, and his identity was established through operational work. Police denied rumours that one police officer had died and that a second attacker was being sought, stating that the only known perpetrator is under police control.
The attacker's identity has not yet been released, and the motive for the attack is still unknown. According to Polish media, the suspect is 25 years old, but his exact age has not been confirmed — the portal Onet unofficially reports 24 years, while RMF FM reports 25 years. Police have not officially confirmed either his age or the model of the weapon.
An extensive police operation was launched, and operations were also conducted on Dietla Street. Numerous emergency medical teams intervened on the scene, and a medical helicopter was deployed to treat more than 12 injured people. Krakow city authorities confirmed that emergency services had intervened on the main city square and warned residents and tourists to avoid the Main Square area while the investigation and police operation continue. The city council called on citizens and visitors to strictly follow the instructions of official personnel, not to approach the operation zones, and to immediately call 112 in case of danger. Initial reports from Polish media spoke of two dead and 10 injured, and police subsequently announced that the number of fatalities had risen to five.
Polish leadership expressed outrage and concern. President Karol Nawrocki expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and support for the injured, emphasising that citizen safety is an absolute priority. Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the situation in Krakow. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that these are particularly difficult times for the residents of Krakow and the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, noted that he is in contact with the interior minister and relevant services, and announced a thorough investigation of all circumstances and motives of the attack. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek called on citizens to remain calm and stated that prosecutors and police are already gathering evidence. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński travelled to Krakow, and the head of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland (BBN) immediately set off for Krakow. US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose condemned the bloodshed and expressed support for Poland.
A disturbing video has emerged which is claimed to show moments after police subdued the attacker.
