Krakow shooting leaves six dead as Polish authorities investigate suspected far-right influence
Polish authorities are investigating a deadly shooting in central Krakow that left six people dead and 16 injured, with preliminary findings suggesting the suspect may have been influenced by far-right ideologies and ultranationalist views.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said late Saturday that initial indications pointed to an ideological motive, although the findings had not yet been independently verified.
He said police opened fire on the suspect three minutes after receiving the first report of the attack.
Foreign nationals among victims
Police confirmed that six people were killed, including one British national, while 16 others were injured. The injured included five foreign nationals from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia and the United Kingdom, as well as two police officers and the suspect.
Police Chief Marek Boron confirmed that three of the deceased were Polish citizens and one was British. The identities of the remaining two victims had not yet been established.
The suspect was shot by police and remains in serious condition, undergoing a second surgical procedure.
Authorities investigate possible accomplices
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said investigators discovered three additional bodies, two women and one man, at the suspect's home. They appeared to be close family members, although their identities and the circumstances of their deaths remain under investigation.
Police continue to search the property and are examining whether the firearms used in the shooting came from the suspect's family home.
Authorities are also inspecting the suspect's vehicle over concerns that it could contain explosives.
Tusk said investigators would move quickly to identify and detain anyone suspected of assisting the attacker.
Describing the incident as an unprecedented act of violence in Poland, the prime minister said the attack should be treated as terrorism.
Shooting near Krakow's main tourist square
The shooting took place shortly after 3 pm local time near Krakow's Main Market Square, one of Poland's busiest tourist destinations.
According to RMF FM radio, attackers travelling in a vehicle along Sławkowska Street towards the main square opened fire on people in the area.
Witnesses reported hearing approximately 20 shots.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with an air ambulance helicopter landing in the square as authorities responded to the casualties.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police examining the suspect's ideological background, possible accomplices and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the additional bodies.
Source:AA
