Krakow Massacre: Six Dead Including Briton in Terror-Inducing Market Square Shooting

POLICY WIRE — Krakow, Poland — A scene of chaos unfolded in Krakow’s historic main market square on Saturday after a gunman opened fire on crowds, claiming six lives, including a British citizen.

Authorities report the attacker drove a vehicle into the crowded tourist destination shortly before 3 p.m. and began discharging his weapon indiscriminately at passersby.

Poland’s police chief Marek Boron confirmed Saturday evening that the fatalities include four women and two men. While three of the victims are Polish nationals, the identities of the remaining two remain unconfirmed.

At least 16 people sustained injuries during the attack, which includes the suspect and two police officers. The interior ministry noted that five of the wounded are citizens from Britain, Germany, Austria, Portugal, and Russia.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski stated that the 25-year-old Polish suspect had been influenced by far-right ideology. The assailant was shot during a shootout with officers and transported to a hospital.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that searches of the suspect’s residence turned up three additional bodies—two women and one man—who are believed to be members of his family.

Witnesses described moments of pure terror as they dove for cover. One witness, Aleksander, recounted hearing approximately 20 shots before fleeing into a nearby shop for safety.

Aleksander described the extreme confusion among international tourists who did not understand the source of the noise, noting he had never seen such a level of panic before.

Caitlin Shasby, a visitor from Newcastle, reported hearing the gunfire from her hotel room only realizing the gravity of the situation once staff confirmed the shooting. She observed police barricading the surrounding streets.

Other witnesses told TV Republika they saw a black Subaru arrive at the scene. One observer claimed the shooter was wearing a police mask and goggles while loading a machine gun.

That same witness suggested the shots appeared deliberate as the attacker eventually fled toward Grodzka Street, causing a stampede among people in horse-drawn carriages.

A 67-year-old man named Julek described finding refuge in a police station filled with people hiding on the floor. He stated that had he arrived just two minutes earlier, he likely would have been hit.

Police spokesperson Andrzej Fijolek confirmed the assailant utilized an AR-15 rifle and possessed a firearms license. Agents from the Internal Security Agency are currently processing the scene and the suspect’s home.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)>