Six dead, 15 injured as police wound gunman in Krakow market shooting
- Six people were killed and 15 wounded in a shooting at Krakow's Main Square.
- The 24-year-old perpetrator was shot and wounded by police during a gunfight.
- The attacker wore military fatigues and a bullet-proof vest during the incident.
- Polish officials confirmed the gunman acted alone and the public is now safe.
- Mass shootings are rare in Poland, though recent school attacks occurred in October.
A gunman killed six people and wounded 15 in a shooting on Saturday afternoon at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, according to CNBC and Northern Public Radio. Police initially reported five deaths but later updated the toll to six in a post on X.
Four women and two men were among those killed, CNBC and WWNO reported. Images from the scene showed police officers, ambulances, and a Polish Medical Air Rescue helicopter covering the area during the response.
The Main Square is a major tourist destination that attracts approximately 15 million visitors each year. In a nation of 37 million people, approximately 411,000 individuals possess gun licenses, and public interest in acquiring firearms is increasing, CNBC reported.
Gunman targets random people during wild ride
The attacker drove into the Main Square and aimed at random people, according to Northern Public Radio and WWNO. CNBC reported that the gunman targeted random people while driving through the square.
The gunman engaged in what Cisło described as a wild ride around the Main Square, which caused injuries at several locations.
Attacker identified as 24-year-old in military gear
The gunman was a 24-year-old Polish citizen. Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło said the assailant wore military-style fatigues and a bullet-proof vest.
She added that he employed a long-range firearm that resembled a military weapon.
Police engage shooter in gunfight near Main Square
Witness videos show people fleeing the square and seeking shelter on adjacent narrow streets. First responders attempted resuscitation as a policeman repeatedly shot the attacker until he collapsed.
Even after being shot, the gunman continued firing at police officers. The perpetrator was wounded during the gunfight and taken to a hospital for surgery.
Tram driver reports vehicle shot at during attack
The incident occurred while the tram was passing near the Main Square.
The shots shattered the tram cabin window.
Two police officers injured in response
Two police officers were injured during the attempt to neutralize the gunman. One of these officers was seriously wounded, according to Poland's interior minister in a post on X.
Officials and public react to Krakow tragedy
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised the police officers who responded to the tragedy in a post on X.
Authorities investigate weapon legality and motive
Police discovered many other weapons and ammunition in the gunman's car. It is unclear whether the firearm used or the guns found in the car were legal.
Rare mass shooting follows October attacks in Mazovia
Mass shootings are uncommon in Poland. Three school attacks occurred in the Mazovia region in mid-October within a four-day span, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries, including among children.
These October attacks left one person dead and many wounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
- At least five dead in shooting in the main market square of Krakow, Poland, police say - CNN (cnn.com)
- Gunman opens fire in Polish city of Krakow, killing 5 people and injuring at least 12 - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
- Gunman opens fire in Polish city of Krakow, killing 5 people and injuring at least 12 - Chicago Tribune (chicagotribune.com)
- Gunman opens fire in Polish city of Krakow, killing 6 people and injuring 15 - CNBC (cnbc.com)
- Gunman opens fire in Polish city of Krakow, killing 6 people and injuring 15 - WWNO (wwno.org)
- Gunman opens fire in Polish city of Krakow, killing 6 people and injuring 15 - Northern Public Radio (northernpublicradio.org)
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