Gunman Opens Fire on Crowds in Kraków Market Square, Killing 6 and Injuring 15 in Horrific Attack

A busy afternoon in one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations turned into a nightmare on November 7, 2026, when a gunman drove into Kraków’s historic Main Market Square and opened fire on people at random. At least six people were killed and 15 others injured in the attack, according to Polish authorities. The shooting sent residents and tourists running for safety as emergency crews rushed to the historic city center. What should have been an ordinary afternoon in the heart of Kraków became one of the country’s most shocking acts of violence in recent years.

The attack began at approximately 3 p.m. local time, when a man drove a vehicle into the area near Sławkowska Street, close to the Main Market Square, and began firing at passersby. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled through nearby streets and sought shelter inside cafés and shops. Reports indicated that the gunman moved through several locations around the square, leaving victims in different areas. A nearby tram was also struck by gunfire, shattering the window of its driver’s cabin, although no injuries were reported aboard the vehicle.

Police officers quickly responded and pursued the suspect away from the initial shooting locations. An exchange of gunfire followed, during which officers shot and wounded the attacker before taking him into custody. He was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities identified him as a Polish citizen and said he appeared to have acted alone. Police also reported discovering additional firearms and a large quantity of ammunition inside the vehicle. Two police officers were among the injured, with one reportedly suffering critical injuries after being shot multiple times.

The six people killed included four women and two men, according to authorities. Their identities were not immediately released, although subsequent reports identified a British citizen among the victims. Fifteen others were injured, including police officers and foreign nationals. The changing reports during the first hours of the investigation reflected the difficulty of establishing the full scale of the tragedy as emergency teams treated victims and investigators secured the scene.

Polish officials have launched a major investigation into the suspect’s background, possible motives, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the attacker appeared to have been fascinated by far-right ideology and held radical nationalist views. Authorities are also examining reports about weapons found in the suspect’s vehicle. Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the attack and praised the officers who intervened, while President Karol Nawrocki expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Poland subsequently announced two days of national mourning.

The violence has shaken a city visited by millions of tourists every year. Kraków’s Main Market Square is normally filled with visitors, street performers, cafés, and historic architecture. Instead, police cordons, emergency vehicles, and investigators took over the area as the country struggled to understand what had happened. Six lives were lost, many others were left injured, and families were suddenly forced to confront an unimaginable tragedy. As investigators continue examining the evidence, the people of Kraków are left mourning the victims and waiting for answers about the motive behind the attack.

Source: https://people.com/krakow-market-square-shooting-at-least-6-dead-15-injured-12242256