KRAKÓW, Poland – A mass shooting in Kraków’s historic Main Market Square left six people dead and several others injured on Saturday, November 7, after a gunman opened fire in one of Poland’s busiest tourist destinations, triggering panic among residents and visitors.
Witnesses described hearing repeated gunshots as people ran through the square, rushed into nearby shops and sought shelter inside buildings. Some tourists said they initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks before realizing that an armed attack was taking place.
The suspected gunman, a 24-year-old Polish man, was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with police officers and taken into custody. Authorities said the attack also injured police officers and other members of the public.
The attack shocked Kraków, Poland’s second-largest city, and prompted a nationwide period of mourning. The historic square and surrounding streets were closed as investigators examined the scene.
Witnesses recount moments of panic
People who were in the square described a sudden outbreak of violence that left visitors scrambling for safety.
One witness, identified as Aleksander, told Polish media that he heard approximately 20 shots before running into a nearby shop. Staff closed the entrance while people waited inside for the danger to pass.
British tourist Andy Hill told the BBC that the experience felt unreal, describing how he sought shelter behind a doorway after hearing the gunfire.
Other visitors recounted hiding on shop floors and inside buildings while police moved into the area. Some people remained unable to return to their accommodation for several hours because of the security operation.
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The accounts illustrate the confusion that spread through the popular tourist district, where residents, shoppers and international visitors were caught in the attack.
Police confront gunman in historic square
Police officers arrived shortly after the first emergency call and confronted the gunman in the Main Market Square.
The suspect was wounded during the exchange of gunfire and subsequently detained. Officers recovered firearms and ammunition connected to the incident, while investigators secured the surrounding area.
Two police officers were also shot during the confrontation. Both underwent surgery, with one initially reported to be in critical condition.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised the officers who confronted the attacker, saying their actions likely saved additional lives. Two officers, identified as Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański, received public recognition for their response.
Three family members found dead at suspect’s home
The investigation expanded after police discovered three additional bodies at the suspect’s family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, a town approximately 200 kilometres northeast of Kraków.
Authorities identified the deceased as the suspect’s 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother and 21-year-old sister. Their bodies showed injuries believed to have been caused by gunfire.
Polish prosecutors said evidence indicated that the same individual was responsible for both the Kraków shooting and the killings at the family residence.
The discovery raised further questions about the suspect’s movements, preparations and possible motives before the attack. Investigators also examined firearms and ammunition recovered from properties associated with him.
Prosecutors open terrorism investigation
Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into the Kraków shooting, classifying the attack as a terrorist offence.
Prosecutors said the investigation covers the killing of six people and attempted killings involving numerous others, including police officers performing their duties.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said preliminary information indicated that the suspect had been influenced by far-right ideology.
Authorities have not established a complete motive, and the investigation is examining the suspect’s background, activities and access to firearms.
Police also confirmed that the suspect held a firearms licence and was associated with a shooting club.
Poland observes national mourning
President Karol Nawrocki declared two days of national mourning beginning on Sunday, November 8.
Flags were lowered to half-mast across the country, while memorial gatherings and religious services were held for the victims.
Kraków’s Main Market Square remained partially closed as investigators continued examining evidence. Residents and visitors also placed candles and flowers near the site of the shooting.
The attack has intensified concerns about public security in Poland, particularly following a series of violent incidents that had already raised questions about extremist influences and public safety.
Prime Minister Tusk praised the police officers, emergency responders and ordinary residents who helped victims during the attack.
For Kraków, a city internationally known for its historic architecture and tourism, the shooting has left a community grieving while authorities continue investigating one of the country’s most serious recent episodes of mass violence.
Primary Sources: Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office Official announcement of the terrorism investigation, November 8, 2026. Establishes the investigation into the six killings in Kraków, attempted killings and the three additional deaths in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. Polish Police Official Polish Police website Official law-enforcement information concerning the shooting, suspect, firearms and police response. Office of the President of Poland Official presidential website Official information concerning the national mourning period declared by President Karol Nawrocki.
