A British national is among six people shot dead in Krakow on Saturday by a gunman believed to have been inspired by far-right ideologies. Poland’s Defence Minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, described the incident in the city’s main market square as an “act of terror.”
The attacker drove into Krakow’s historic quarter and opened fire randomly, killing four women and two men. Among the dead is a British citizen, with at least three of the women identified as Polish. Sixteen others were injured, including another British national.
The suspect, a 25-year-old Polish man, was shot and detained by armed officers during a shootout that left one officer critically injured. Following the attack, the bodies of two women and a man, likely family members of the suspect, were found at his home nearly 100 miles from Krakow.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the attacker held “very radical views” and was fascinated by far-right ideologies. Police Commander Marek Boron confirmed that among the injured were two police officers and the perpetrator himself, with eleven victims being Polish citizens and five from other countries.
As details emerged regarding the British citizen among the deceased, Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his sorrow, saying, “I’m shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting in Krakow today. My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives and all those affected by this senseless violence.”
The gunman used an automatic weapon and wore military-style fatigues along with a bulletproof vest. After being subdued, he was taken to hospital for surgery.
Krakow’s mayor, Łukasz Gibała, announced that the city would observe official mourning until Wednesday but pledged that it would remain open to visitors. Videos shared on social media captured the chaos as individuals fled for cover while emergency services responded to the scene.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals in Krakow to follow local authorities’ instructions and stay updated via local media. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband issued condolences, stating, “The UK Government deeply mourns the British national and other victims who have died after the appalling attack in Krakow.”
