A gunman killed six people and wounded at least 15 others on Saturday afternoon after driving into Krakow’s Main Square, one of the city’s busiest tourist destinations, and opening fire, Polish police said.
The attacker, a 24-year-old Polish citizen, drove into the square before shooting at random people, according to Krakow police. Four women and two men were killed. Two police officers were among the wounded, one of them seriously, Poland’s interior minister said.
Police shot and wounded the gunman during an exchange of fire a short distance from the initial attack. He was taken to hospital for surgery. The death toll, initially reported as five, was later updated to six by police.
Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło said the attacker wore military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest and used a military-type long gun. Officers found additional weapons and ammunition in his car. Cisło said he continued firing at police even after he was shot.
Video circulating on social media showed people fleeing the square as the shooting unfolded, and showed an officer confronting the gunman at close range.
International reaction
U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose issued a statement following the attack:
We are just learning details of the horrific mass shooting in Kraków, a savage and murderous attack that’s shattered the peace of Poland. What we know so far is that several innocent precious lives were viciously cut down on a Saturday afternoon in Kraków’s historic and iconic central square. America stands with Poland at this dark hour as Poland stands with her beloved citizens of Krakow. May the blessed memory of those lost today assuage the grief of those who mourn.
Authorities have not released further details on the attacker’s identity or possible motive. This is a developing story.
