At Least Nine Dead After Gunman Opens Fire in Krakow Main Square and Police Search Home

At least six people were killed and 16 others were injured after a gunman opened fire in central Krakow, Poland's second-largest city. Three additional bodies were later discovered at the suspect's home during a police search, according to statements from Polish authorities.

The shooting began shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) in Krakow's Main Market Square, a major historic site and tourist destination. Police reported that a man drove into the square and began firing at random people from inside his vehicle. Footage from the location captured scene of panic as bystanders fled, accompanied by the sound of heavy gunfire.

During the attack, bullets hit a passing tram, shattering windows. No passengers inside the tram were injured. Bullet damage was also visible on nearby shop windows, leaving glass shards scattered across the floor.

Police Intervene as Suspect Arrested

Armed police officers arrived at the scene and engaged in a gunfight with the shooter. Officials said the gunman was shot within three minutes of the attack beginning, preventing further casualties. The suspect was wounded, taken into custody, and transferred to a hospital under arrest.

Footage authenticated by BBC Verify shows an officer confronting the suspect on the ground and firing several shots before falling to the ground after being injured. Police noted that many pieces of weapons and ammunition were recovered from the suspect's vehicle.

The suspect's car, located at the intersection of Dietla and Stradomska streets, is being checked for potential explosive devices. Nearby residents were evacuated while counter-terrorism officers and police carried out the inspection and searched the suspect's home.

Casualties and Condition of the Victims

Six people—four women and two men—were killed during the public attack in the square. Authorities confirmed that the deceased include one British national and three Polish citizens, while two of the victims have not yet been identified. Polish authorities have not publicly confirmed the names and ages of the deceased.

A total of 16 people were taken to the hospital, including five foreign nationals, two police officers, and the attacker. One of the responding officers was reported by a government minister to be in "very critical condition" and undergoing surgery after being shot three times while apprehending the suspect.

Following the street shooting, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that three additional bodies—two women and one man—were found inside the gunman's house when counter-terrorism units searched the property.

Details on the Suspect and Background

Police identified the shooter as a 25-year-old Polish man, though his name has not been released. Authorities confirmed he was wearing military-style attire and was armed with a military-grade weapon, though police clarified that he was not a soldier.

Polish media reports indicate that the suspect held a firearms permit and may have obtained the weapons from his family home. A Polish government minister stated that preliminary investigations suggest the attacker was an "ultra-nationalist" inspired by far-right ideologies, without providing additional details.

Eyewitness Jonathan Balshaw, visiting from Ipswich with his girlfriend Dominika, described taking cover outside St Mary's Basilica. He recalled hearing more than 20 shots from what sounded like multiple distinct firearms before hiding inside a side door until the shooting stopped. Another visitor, Caitlin Shasby from Newcastle, said hotel staff instructed guests to remain in their rooms after gunfire was heard nearby.

Official Response and Local Period of Mourning

City officials urged residents and tourists to avoid the Main Market Square while police continue their investigation. Krakow Mayor Łukasz Gibała signed an order declaring an official period of mourning in the city lasting until Wednesday, November 11.

Prime Minister Tusk stated he is receiving regular updates from the interior minister regarding the investigation into the background and circumstances of the attack. Tusk traveled to Krakow and is scheduled to deliver a public address.

President Karol Nawrocki expressed deep concern and stated he is awaiting a full explanation of the events. International reactions included statements from US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose, who condemned the violence, and EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas, who called the shooting a tragedy felt far beyond Poland's borders.