Polish authorities say six people have been killed and 15 injured after a gunman opened fire from a car in Kraków’s Main Market Square on Saturday, 7 November.
Police said the suspect was shot and detained following an exchange of fire with officers in the historic centre of Poland’s second-largest city. Two police officers were among the injured.
The latest casualty figures were reported independently by Reuters and the Associated Press, both citing Polish authorities.
Shots fired from a vehicle
Police began receiving reports at about 3pm local time that a person in a car was firing at people in the square. Authorities said the attacker appeared to be shooting at random.
Four women and two men were killed, according to the updated official toll carried by Reuters. Fifteen people were injured, including two police officers. One officer was reported to be seriously wounded, while another was described as being in critical condition.
Police said the alleged attacker, described as a 24-year-old Polish citizen, was wearing military-style clothing and carrying a military-type firearm. Officers found additional weapons and ammunition in his vehicle.
The suspect was wounded during the police response and taken to hospital. Authorities said he remained in custody.
No motive announced
Officials had not announced a motive by Saturday evening. Police said the arrested man was the only known perpetrator and that there was no continuing threat to the public.
Those statements remain attributable to the authorities while the investigation continues. BaretaNews has not independently established the suspect’s motive, how the firearms were obtained or the precise sequence of every shot fired.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk travelled to Kraków after saying he was receiving regular updates from the interior minister. President Karol Nawrocki expressed sympathy to the victims, those injured and their families.
Emergency response in historic centre
Emergency services, ambulances and an air ambulance were deployed to the square. The location, known in Polish as Rynek Główny, is a major tourist destination surrounded by restaurants, historic buildings and St Mary’s Basilica.
The Kraków municipal authorities confirmed that emergency services were responding after shots were fired towards people near Sławkowska Street, while police also conducted operations elsewhere in the city.
Investigators are securing evidence and examining the circumstances of the attack. The casualty figures and condition of those injured may be updated as authorities release further information.
This is a developing story. BaretaNews will update the report when Polish authorities provide further confirmed information.
