A shooting in the center of Kraków on Saturday afternoon left six people dead and at least 15 injured, according to Polish authorities. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. local time in the Main Market Square, a major tourist area and part of the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
A man drove a black Subaru into the square from Sławkowska Street and began firing from the vehicle at people present there, police said. Reports indicated the shots appeared directed at random individuals in the busy square, which typically contains locals and visitors near cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings such as St. Mary’s Basilica.
A tram on nearby All Saints’ Square was also struck from a passing car around the same time, shattering a window in the driver’s cab. No injuries were reported in connection with the tram car.
The perpetrator, identified by police as a Polish citizen acting alone, was later confronted by officers near the intersection of Dietla and Stradomska streets. During the exchange of fire, police shot and wounded him before taking him into custody.
Authorities stated he wore military-style clothing and used a long military-type firearm. A substantial quantity of additional weapons and ammunition was recovered from his vehicle.
🚨 NOW: 5 DEAD and 12 INJURIED after a mass shooter went on a rampage in Krakow, Poland — he wore MILITARY-style clothing
HERO police officer was spotted taking him down 🙏🏻
“America stands with Poland at this dark hour.” 🇺🇸🇵🇱
Poland is one of the nations in Europe holding the… pic.twitter.com/ZgfBLIXUNF
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 7, 2026
Initial reports of a possible second suspect were later denied by police, who confirmed that the only known perpetrator was in custody.
Of those killed, four were women and two were men. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said one police officer was in very critical condition after sustaining three gunshot wounds and was undergoing surgery, while a second officer was also shot.
“Police officers in Krakow risked their lives to intervene. Immediately. Thanks to their heroic actions, the attacker was quickly apprehended,” Kierwiński posted on X.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was receiving updates from the interior minister and that police were examining the background and all circumstances of the attack. He later expressed condolences to the victims’ families, praised the responding officers, and urged politicians not to exploit the events while investigations proceed.
No motive has been disclosed by authorities as of this report. Police have not released the perpetrator’s name or further personal details beyond confirming he is a Polish national in his mid-20s, according to media reports citing authorities
