At least five people were killed and multiple others wounded in a shooting near the main market square of Krakow in southern Poland on Saturday. The incident began at approximately 3pm local time when a man drove a vehicle onto the city’s Main Market Square and started shooting at random individuals.
Police Response and Suspect Apprehension
Law enforcement officers shot and detained the gunman, who sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital. A police spokesperson told the AFP news agency that five people lost their lives and about a dozen others suffered injuries in the attack. Police officers were among those wounded during the confrontation.
Authorities stated that the suspect wore military-style clothing. During the arrest, officers discharged their weapons while the perpetrator returned fire, leaving two police officers injured.
Official Reactions to the Tragedy
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the event as a tragic shooting in a social media statement, noting that the interior minister was keeping him updated. He added that the police are investigating the background and all circumstances surrounding the attack. President Karol Nawrocki expressed that his thoughts are with the victims, those affected, and their families.
International figures also responded to the violence, with US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose describing the event on social media as a savage and murderous attack that shattered the peace of the nation. He stated that the United States stands with Poland and the citizens of Krakow during this dark hour.
Krakow serves as the second-largest city in Poland and is located approximately 250 kilometres south of Warsaw.
