On Saturday, November 7, 2026, a dramatic terrorist attack took place in the center of Krakow. A 24-year-old Polish citizen from the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship drove a car onto the Main Square (Stary Rynek) and opened fire on people. Six people were killed, and 16 were injured. At the scene, the deaths of three Polish women and a British citizen were confirmed, while the identities of two victims remain undetermined. Among the injured are foreigners and two police officers who sustained serious injuries during the intervention.
Course of Events and Emergency Services Response
According to the report of the Commander-in-Chief of the Police, the first report of the shooting was received by the Provincial Emergency Notification Center at 15:00:15. Within a few minutes, around 15:03, a shootout occurred between the perpetrator and officers. 30 police units, 24 units of the State Fire Service, and 62 rescuers were dispatched to the scene. The quick reaction of the first police officers allowed them to stop the attacker and shoot him, which, as emphasized, prevented an even greater tragedy. The perpetrator was detained. The injured were taken into the care of doctors at medical facilities in Krakow.
During the attempt to detain the attacker, two young police officers from a Krakow police station sustained serious injuries. As reported by the Commander-in-Chief of the Police, Gen. Insp. Marek Boroń, the officers are in critical condition. According to unconfirmed media reports, the injured officers underwent surgery and were woken from a coma, but the authorities have not yet publicly confirmed these details. Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured that the families of the injured officers would be given special care.
Victims and Discoveries at the Perpetrator's Home
Four women and two men were killed in the attack on the Main Square. Among the victims, as indicated by unconfirmed reports, was a woman from Austria, although official statements have so far only confirmed the British citizenship of one of the victims. Simultaneously with the rescue operation, authorities conducted activities at the perpetrator's residence. In the 24-year-old's home, the bodies of three people were found: two women and one man.
As conveyed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a service meeting at the Krakow Voivodeship Office, much indicates that the victims found in the home are members of the attacker's immediate family. Media reports specify that they are his parents and sister. According to report information, these bodies were spotted using drones while searching the area. Notes were also secured in the perpetrator's apartment, although the details of their content have not been disclosed. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of these deaths, including the possible motivations of the attacker, his background, and connections. Seven prosecutors and special services are participating in the activities.
Government Response and National Mourning
In response to the tragedy, President Karol Nawrocki declared a national day of mourning for November 8 and 9, 2026. Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need to demonstrate extraordinary solidarity and full solemnity. He noted that in the face of the tragedy, "the best in people" was seen, pointing to the courage of the police officers, the dedication of the rescuers, and the selfless help of witnesses who, despite the danger, rushed to help the injured. The government appealed to citizens to use only official communications from the institutions conducting the operations, such as the Police, Fire Service, the city president, and the voivode, asking them to refrain from spreading unverified reports, particularly those concerning the motives of the attack. Psychological assistance was launched in Krakow for those affected by the tragedy. Condolences to Poland were conveyed by representatives of many countries, including the leaders of France, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, and the President of the European Commission.
Decisions
The declaration of a national day of mourning on November 8 and 9, 2026, by President Karol Nawrocki.