Bodies Found in Shooter's Home: Terrifying Details of Krakow Attack in Poland

Six people were killed and at least 15 others were injured on Saturday in the southern Polish city of Krakow, in a horrific shooting carried out by a gunman influenced by far-right ideas, according to authorities.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed to journalists during his visit to the city after the bloody attack that "bodies belonging to two women and one man were found in the perpetrator's home."

The Polish Prime Minister mentioned indicators suggesting that the three victims are family members of the perpetrator," announcing two days of mourning in the country for the souls of the victims of the terrifying attack, which Tusk described as a "terrorist act."

For his part, Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said that "all indications suggest that the perpetrator of the attack was fascinated by far-right ideologies."

Police reported that the suspect, a Pole born in 2002, rammed his car into Krakow's main market square and began firing randomly at passersby with an AR-15 rifle.

Police noted that two of their officers were injured before they fired at the suspect, who was transported to the hospital.

Ambulances and numerous police cars rushed to the scene, imposing a security cordon around the area, which is very popular among residents and tourists.

"Heroism" of the Police

Andrzej Fijolek, spokesperson for the police chief, said the suspect used a semi-automatic rifle in the attack, which he described as "the most violent in Poland since 1989."

Tusk said: "We have the utmost appreciation for the heroic police officers who risked their lives while performing their duty."

On Saturday evening, the main market square, usually bustling with activity, was "completely closed," while heavily armed police officers and criminal investigators examined the site of the attack.

"Rare Incidents"

Fatal shootings are rare in Poland, which has a population of 38 million and is a member of the European Union and NATO.

However, the country has been on high alert since a series of stabbing incidents in October/November, which Tusk said were carried out by a "group adopting violence" fueled by social media sites.

Poland, located on the eastern flank of the EU and NATO, has repeatedly accused Russia of carrying out "sabotage" acts since Moscow's full-scale war on Ukraine began in 2022.

The country is also witnessing a sharp rise in the number of firearm licenses. In 2025, more than 50,000 new licenses were issued, bringing the total to 411,000, according to police figures.

Krakow is a historic city in southern Poland that was once its capital, and it is a tourist destination visited by more than 16 million tourists in 2025.

Reactions

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "shocked and saddened by the horrific shooting."

He wrote on the platform "X": "My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives, and to all the injured and affected by this senseless violence."

In turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: "Ukraine stands in solidarity with Poland and the Polish people. People have the right to live in safety."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed via the platform "X" that "Germany stands alongside Poland as a friend and partner during these difficult times."

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas described what happened as a "tragedy," noting via the X platform that its repercussions will extend "far beyond Poland's borders."