Following a deadly incident in the Polish city of Krakow on Saturday afternoon, where an armed attacker shot five people-four women and two men-resulting in at least 15 injuries, police have discovered the bodies of three additional victims. Authorities and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the deceased are two women and one man. Investigations are currently ongoing at the residence of the suspect in the southeastern Polish town of Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski.
According to official reports, the perpetrator began his indiscriminate shooting around 3 PM from a vehicle that had driven onto the market square. The 24-year-old Polish suspect was shot by police and is currently being transported to the hospital. Authorities also reported that additional weapons were recovered from the suspect’s car.
The police currently proceed under the assumption that the attack was carried out by a lone individual. While security forces remain on site, maintaining a cordon around parts of the square and adjacent streets, authorities have assured the public that the immediate danger has passed.
Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski indicated that there may be a far-right motive behind the violence. During an evening press conference, the Minister stated that everything suggests the suspect was fascinated by right-extremist ideologies, though he cautioned that this theory must still be thoroughly verified.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families. He urged politicians across the political spectrum not to exploit the tragedy. Tusk highly praised the police’s work, noting that they are diligently investigating “the background and all circumstances of the attack.” He commended the officers for their quick response, bravery, and exceptional commitment. He added an update on the injured, stating that three people were injured and one is currently fighting for his life, all of whom “need our prayers, solidarity and full support.”
