Poland Shooting: 5 Killed, 12 Injured As Gunman Opens Fire In Krakow's Main Market Square

At least five people were killed and around a dozen others injured after a gunman opened fire on crowds in Krakow's iconic Main Market Square in Poland on Saturday afternoon. The attacker reportedly fired indiscriminately from a moving vehicle near Sławkowska Street, according to the Małopolska Police.

Police officers neutralised the suspect at the scene. He was wounded in police firing before being taken into custody and subsequently shifted to a hospital under heavy security.

In a post on X, the Małopolska Police confirmed the fatalities and injuries, adding that emergency services were continuing their operations at the scene.

"Five people were killed and a dozen or so injured in the incident in the Main Market Square. The perpetrator was shot by police officers and is currently being taken to hospital. Emergency services are still working at the scene," the police said.

Gunman Opens Fire From Moving Vehicle

Earlier, the police said a man drove onto the square at around 3 pm and began firing indiscriminately at people from his vehicle. The suspect was subsequently detained, while several people, including police personnel, were reported injured.

In a separate statement on X, the City of Krakow confirmed the casualties and urged residents and visitors to stay away from areas where police officers and emergency responders were conducting operations.

The city administration said the incident took place near Sławkowska Street, while police were also carrying out operations on Dietla Street.

Hubert Ciepły, spokesperson for the Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Krakow, said emergency services received information about a shooting in the Main Market Square, with initial reports suggesting that shots had been fired from a moving vehicle.

The fire service confirmed that the incident had resulted in fatalities and injuries, while details were still being established.

The city administration urged people to follow the instructions of emergency personnel and contact the emergency helpline 112 if they were in danger.

Polish President, PM React To Deadly Shooting

Following the incident, Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed concern over the shooting and extended his condolences to the victims and their families.

"I am deeply concerned by reports of the tragic events in central Kraków. My thoughts are with the victims, those injured and their families. I remain in contact with the relevant authorities and expect a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. The head of the National Security Bureau is on his way to Kraków. The safety of Poles is an absolute priority!" Nawrocki said in a post on X.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also said he was receiving regular updates from the Interior Minister and confirmed that an investigation into the incident was underway.

"I am being kept informed by the Minister of the Interior about the situation in Kraków following the tragic shooting. The police are investigating the background and all the circumstances of the attack," Tusk said in a post on X.

US, Ukraine Express Solidarity With Poland

US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose condemned the shooting and expressed solidarity with the Polish people.

"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," Rose said in a post on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also offered condolences to the families of those killed and expressed solidarity with Poland following the shooting.

"A shocking crime in Kraków. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. There can be no justification for this attack, and we trust the perpetrator will face justice. We wish strength and a speedy recovery to the injured and to everyone affected by this tragedy. Ukraine stands in solidarity with Poland and the Polish people. People have the right to safety," Zelenskyy said in a post on X.

Police and emergency services personnel continued to operate at the scene as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the shooting.