At least 6 killed, several injured in shooting at Polish market square: Police
The perpetrator has been shot by police, officials said.
At least six people were killed and 15 others were injured after shots were fired in a market square in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, according to regional police.
A man drove a car near the historic Main Market Square and began firing shots at random people at around 3 p.m. local time, according to Małopolska Police.
The incident occurred near Slawkowska Street, just off the main square.
"Initial information suggests that the shots were fired from a passing vehicle," according to the local government.
The perpetrator was shot by police and has been transported to a hospital, authorities said.
Katarzyna Cisło, a Krakow police spokesperson, told ABC News the suspect was wearing military-style camouflage clothing, though not an official military uniform, and was reportedly armed with an AR-15-style rifle.
Police also found a variety of different weapons and ammunition in the vehicle he had been driving, according to Cisło.
Małopolska Police said the attacker was a Polish citizen and denied reports that a second suspect was involved.
"The only known perpetrator of the incident is in police custody," police said.
Two police officers are among those wounded, according to Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński.
"One officer was shot, and the other is in very critical condition—3 gunshot wounds. Surgery is underway," Kierwiński said in a post on X.
Emergency services are urging people not to approach areas where police officers and rescue workers are operating, according to the Krakow municipal government.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki expressed his condolences to the victims and all those affected by the attack.
"I remain in contact with the relevant services and expect a full clarification of the circumstances surrounding these dramatic events. The Head of the National Security Bureau is on his way to Kraków," the president said.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he is being kept informed on the shooting, and that police are "investigating the background and all the circumstances of the attack."
In another post on X, Tusk expressed condolences to all families and loved ones affected in the attack and praised the "heroic police officers who risked their lives."
U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose called the "horrific" shooting "a savage and murderous attack that’s shattered the peace of Poland," in a post on social media.
"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," Rose said.
"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.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Related Topics
Popular Reads
ABC News Live