Six killed in Krakow shooting; suspect dies of injuries after officers respond within three minutes

Deadly attack in central Krakow

The gunfire began shortly before 15:00 local time in Krakow’s busy Main Market Square. Police identified the suspected attacker as a 24-year-old Polish man but did not release his name.

Six people died: four women and two men. Four victims were Polish, while the others were a British national and an Austrian woman.

Police confront the gunman

Armed officers arrived and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Officials said he was shot within three minutes of the attack beginning, preventing further deaths. Sixteen people, including the attacker and two police officers, were taken to hospital. The interior ministry said those taken for treatment included people from Austria, Britain, Germany, Portugal and Russia.

Surgeons help at the scene

Pędziwiatr said his colleague used a hand to control bleeding from the most seriously injured officer until an ambulance arrived. Local media identified the colleague as Dr Mateusz Wierdak.

Mourning and square reopening

On Sunday, police said three victims had been identified as the alleged gunman’s father, 53, mother, 52, and sister, 21. Poland declared two days of national mourning following the shooting.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “shocked and saddened” by the attack. The security cordon was lifted, and Main Market Square reopened on Sunday evening.