Krakow (Poland) (AFP) - The main market square in the Polish city of Krakow remained closed on Sunday as some came out carrying candles in honor of six people killed by a gunman who authorities said was "fascinated by far-right ideologies."

Published on: 08/11/2026 - 12:07

The 24-year-old Polish man opened fire randomly on Saturday in the historic heart of Krakow, in an attack that Prime Minister Donald Tusk described as “terrorist.”

The police confirmed that among the dead was a British citizen, while the authorities reported to Bab News Agency that citizens of Austria, Britain, Germany, Portugal and Russia were among the 15 wounded.

Three more bodies were later found in the suspect's house in Ostrowiec Świentokjeski, about 150 kilometers northeast of Krakow. Police said it was his family members.

The attacker was wounded by police gunfire during the attack and is currently in critical condition in hospital. Two police officers were also injured.

The National Prosecutor's Office announced the opening of an investigation into the attack as a "terrorist" act.

Veronica Vilar, a 27-year-old resident of Krakow, told AFP on Sunday, "I am in a state of great astonishment and grief. It (Krakow) is truly one of the safest places in the world... I did not expect something like this to happen to us," adding, "Our city will never go back to what it was."

Two police officers were injured while chasing the suspect, who was wearing a mask and wearing a military uniform, including a bullet-proof vest.

Police reported that he left his car at an intersection and began shooting at the two policemen using a semi-automatic rifle.

Black flags and closed shops

Bab reported that the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the condition of one of the policemen was serious but stable. The police appealed to donate blood for the policeman, who was identified as "Jakub Kulik, who confronted the armed attacker without hesitation."

Pictures on social media showed two police officers shooting the gunman, one of whom wounded him, despite his own injuries.

On Sunday morning, the usually bustling site of the attack was cordoned off with red and white security tape. People arrived to light candles while police officers searched the bags of workers in cafes and restaurants spread across the square. Most shops selling souvenirs remained closed.

Black flags and Polish flags with black ribbons were raised in the city, while Warsaw declared national mourning for the victims for two days, starting Sunday.

Finding the bodies of his relatives

Media outlets identified the suspect as Michel O.

The regional police stated on social media that the three bodies found in his home - a 53-year-old man and two women aged 52 and 21 - were the bodies of his parents and sister.

The police indicated that there were “injuries on the bodies, which initial assessments indicated were caused by gunfire. Seven firearms were confiscated from the apartment.”

Interior Minister Marcin Kervinski said police also found weapons in the suspect's car.

Polish media quoted investigators as confirming that there was no previous criminal record for Michal O. Who was involved in a shooting club with his father.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnum said he was "shocked and saddened by the horrific shooting."

© 2026 AFP

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