KRAKÓW, Poland – The 24-year-old gunman who killed six people in Kraków’s historic Main Market Square has died in hospital, Polish authorities confirmed on Monday, November 9, two days after officers shot and wounded him while stopping the attack.
The suspect, identified by Kraków’s municipal authorities as Michał O., died early Monday morning while receiving treatment for critical injuries sustained during the police intervention.
The shooting occurred shortly after 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, when the attacker drove a vehicle into the Main Market Square in the city’s historic centre and opened fire on pedestrians. Six people were killed and 15 others were injured, according to the Kraków municipal government.
Police officers confronted the gunman during the attack and exchanged gunfire with him before taking him into custody. He was transported to hospital in critical condition and underwent several operations before his death.
The municipal government said the suspect’s death was confirmed by the Małopolska regional police.
Investigation continues despite suspect’s death
The gunman’s death does not end the investigation into the shooting or the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal investigation on Sunday, classifying the Kraków shooting as a terrorist offence involving the killing of six people and attempted killings of numerous others, including police officers.
Prosecutors are examining the suspect’s movements, preparations, access to firearms and possible ideological motivations.
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Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński previously said preliminary information suggested the attacker had far-right and ultranationalist views. Investigators have also examined symbols and emblems found on his clothing.
The authorities have not publicly established a complete motive or confirmed that other individuals participated in planning the attack.
Three family members also found dead
The investigation also covers the deaths of three members of the suspect’s family, whose bodies were discovered at his family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, approximately 150 kilometres northeast of Kraków.
Police identified the victims as the suspect’s 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother and 21-year-old sister. Their bodies showed injuries initially identified as gunshot wounds.
Polish prosecutors said preliminary findings indicated that the same individual was responsible for the killings at the family residence and the attack in Kraków.
The deaths are being investigated as part of the same criminal proceedings. Authorities are examining the sequence of events and the evidence connecting the two locations.
Police officers remain hospitalized
Two police officers were injured while confronting the gunman and remain hospitalized.
One officer sustained particularly serious injuries during the intervention. Both officers survived the initial confrontation, although their medical conditions required continued treatment.
The police response involved more than 1,100 officers, alongside firefighters and emergency personnel, according to regional authorities.
Investigators have also examined the firearms and ammunition recovered from the suspect’s vehicle and family property.
Poland continues national mourning
Poland began a two-day national mourning period on Sunday, November 8, following the deaths in Kraków.
President Karol Nawrocki ordered national flags to be lowered to half-mast, while residents gathered in the Main Market Square to leave flowers and candles.
The shooting has deeply affected Kraków, a major tourist destination known for its historic architecture and busy public spaces. Memorial gatherings have brought residents and visitors together to remember the victims.
Although the suspect has died, prosecutors continue investigating the killings, the possible terrorist motive and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of his family members.
The investigation is expected to establish a more complete account of the attack and the events leading up to one of Poland’s deadliest recent mass shootings.
Primary Sources: Kraków Municipal Government Attacker in Kraków shooting dies in hospital November 9, 2026. Official confirmation of the suspect’s death, his age, the date of the attack, six fatalities and 15 injured people. Polish National Prosecutor’s Office Responsible for the criminal investigation into the Kraków shooting and the three additional deaths in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. Polish Police Official website Law-enforcement authority responsible for confirming the suspect’s death and investigating the attack.
