In a grim reminder that "far-right extremist" is not just a phrase for op-ed pages, a gunman opened fire in Krakow's Main Market Square on Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring more than a dozen others. The suspect, a 25-year-old Polish man, is believed to have ties to far-right ideology, because of course he does.
The attack began shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) in one of Europe's largest medieval squares, a bustling tourist hotspot. Police say the man drove into the square and began firing "at random people from his car." Footage shows scenes of panic as people fled, with gunfire clearly heard. A passing tram was shot at, shattering windows but - small mercies - no passengers were injured.
Armed officers raced to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with the suspect, who was shot within three minutes of the attack beginning. Officials say this prevented a further massacre. The suspect remains in critical condition after surgery for a gunshot wound. A 25-year-old man has been arrested, and the Krakow branch of the National Public Prosecutor's Office has announced an investigation into what constitutes "a terrorist offence." Because nothing says "lone wolf" like a formal legal definition.
Distressing footage authenticated by BBC Verify shows the moment a police officer confronts the suspect on the ground before firing his weapon several times. The officer then falls to the ground, apparently injured himself. Shop windows in the square bear signs of damage, seemingly from bullets, with glass shards scattered along the floor. City officials have urged residents and tourists to stay away while the investigation continues.
The suspect's car, found at the intersection of Dietla and Stradomska streets, was checked for explosive devices. None were found, but nearby buildings were evacuated during the operation. Six people - four women and two men - are confirmed dead. Four victims are Polish, while a British national and an Austrian woman were also killed.
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said three bodies - two women and one man - were found at the gunman's house when it was searched after the attack. On Sunday, police confirmed those victims were the alleged gunman's 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother, and his 21-year-old sister. Because nothing says "family values" like allegedly shooting your own relatives.
Sixteen people, including five foreigners, two police officers, and the attacker, were taken to hospital. The interior ministry later said they were from Austria, Britain, Germany, Portugal, and Russia. Tusk named the injured officers as Senior Constable Jakub Kulik and Senior Constable Artur Morański. One officer was described as being in a "very critical condition" after being shot three times while arresting the attacker. He is undergoing surgery.
In an update on Sunday, police spokesperson Katarzyna Cislo told Radio Krakow that two women sent to hospital had been released, and the remaining individuals in Krakow's hospitals are in stable condition, including the two injured police officers. Polish authorities have not confirmed the names and ages of the other victims.
Police have identified the attacker as a 25-year-old Polish man but have not confirmed his name. Local governor Krzysztof Jan Klęczar said the gunman remains in critical condition. The suspect was wearing "military-style attire" and had a military-grade weapon, according to a police spokesperson. However, authorities said he was not a soldier. "Many pieces of weapons and ammunition were found in his vehicle," the spokesperson added. Polish media reported the suspect had a firearms permit and may have obtained the weapons from his family home. A minister said early investigations indicate he was inspired by "far-right ideologies" and described him as an "ultra-nationalist." His home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, about 200km (125 miles) from Krakow, has been searched with support from counter-terrorism police.
The shooting happened in one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, a busy location popular with tourists. Jonathan Balshaw from Ipswich was there with his Polish girlfriend Dominika. The couple were outside St Mary's Basilica when the shooting started. "We ran down the side of the church and through the side door and hid with several other people until the gunfire died down," he said. "A lot of shots were fired, more than 20 with it sounding like multiple different firearms - there were two distinctly different noises."
Caitlin Shasby from Newcastle arrived in Krakow yesterday with her friend Jon for a long weekend. She said they heard shots from their hotel room but were not sure what was happening until their hotel rang them and told them to "stay in our rooms until further notice."
Local media outlet Gazeta Krakowska reported two surgeons rushed to help after the shooting stopped. Dr Mateusz Wierdak and Prof Michał Pędziwiatr spoke to the outlet, saying they helped the wounded after having lunch with their families. Pędziwiatr said two police officers "were conscious, in superficial contact with gunshot wounds to the chest," adding: "The perpetrator was also conscious, expressed pain, and had gunshot wounds to the abdomen, thigh, and chest." He added: "We don't feel like heroes, but we did everything a paramedic would do at the scene of such an incident."
After travelling to Krakow, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: "Until now in Poland we haven't had such drastic cases of terrorism...that's what we have to call this cruel attack on people's lives here in Krakow." Krakow Mayor Łukasz Gibała has signed an order declaring a period of mourning in the city which will last until Wednesday, 11 November.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "I'm shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting in Kraków today. My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives, everyone injured and all those affected by this senseless violence. The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Poland." British foreign secretary Ed Miliband said on social media the UK government "deeply mourns" those who died in the "appalling attack." US ambassador to Poland Tom Rose described it as a "savage and murderous attack." The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the shooting was "a tragedy that will be felt far beyond Poland." President Volodymyr Zelensky of neighbouring Ukraine called the shooting "shocking" and extended his condolences.