Polish authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in Krakow that killed six people and injured 15. The 24-year-old suspect died in police custody Monday. (Foto: Instagram)
A 24-year-old Polish man suspected of killing six people and injuring 15 in a shooting in central Krakow died early Monday, Nov. 9, in the hospital where he had been held under police custody, Polish authorities said. He had been shot by police during an operation to stop him on Saturday, Nov. 7, and remained in critical condition despite receiving medical treatment.
The shooting took place at the Main Market Square, one of Krakow’s busiest tourist sites. Investigators said the man drove to the historic district and began firing at people in the area. The six people killed were four women and two men, including citizens of Poland, the United Kingdom and Austria. Fifteen others were injured, among them two police officers. The injured also included foreign nationals from Portugal, Russia, Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom.
The investigation expanded after police found three bodies at a residence in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, about 150 kilometers from Krakow. Authorities identified the dead as the suspect’s parents, ages 53 and 52, and his 21-year-old sister. All three had gunshot wounds. Investigators are examining the possibility that the same man killed his relatives before carrying out the attack in Krakow; the connection between the incidents has not been established.
The Polish government initially said the suspect held radical views and may have been influenced by far-right ideologies. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said there were indications that the man was fascinated by those political movements. Officials cautioned against drawing conclusions about the motive, however, and said investigators had not confirmed that he belonged to an extremist organization or had accomplices.
Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek said the investigation would continue after the suspect’s death. Authorities are seeking to determine whether he acted alone or was influenced by a group or organization. Investigators are also examining symbols found on his clothing, along with electronic devices, weapons and ammunition seized during their inquiries.
The attacks prompted widespread grief in Poland, where mass shootings are considered uncommon. The government declared two days of national mourning, and authorities increased security in crowded areas, particularly in Warsaw and other cities. In Krakow, residents and visitors placed flowers and candles at the square. A traditional musical performance at St. Mary’s Church, held every hour in the city center, was suspended in tribute to the victims. Authorities are continuing to reconstruct the events and investigate the nine killings being examined in connection with the suspect.
