[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
A horrific tragedy has unfolded in Poland, where at least six people were killed and 15 others injured after a gunman opened fire on unsuspecting people in a crowded public square.
according to CBS Newsthe deadly attack took place around 3pm local time Saturday in Krakow’s history Main Market Squarea popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Authorities say a man drove into the square and started shooting random people inside his vehicle.
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Six people – four women and two men – lost their lives in the violence. The death toll was initially reported as five before regional officials confirmed another death.
Among those injured are two police officers who confronted the attacker. Poland’s interior minister, Marcin Kierwińskiconfirmed that one officer was seriously injured.
He suggested the officers respond to it X (Twitter), writes:
“Police officers in Kraków risked their lives to intervene. Immediately. Thanks to their brave actions, the attacker was quickly apprehended.”
Police say the suspect was shot in a confrontation with officers a short distance after the initial attack. He was later arrested and taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities identified the suspect as a Polish citizen who was reportedly working alone. Krakow police spokesman Katarzyna Cisło told TVN24 that the assailant was wearing military style fatigues and was carrying a long weapon similar to a weapon. Investigators reportedly found additional weapons and ammunition inside his vehicle.
Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk reacting to the tragedy on social media, saying:
“The Minister of the Interior is keeping me informed of the situation in Krakow after the horrific shooting. … The police are investigating the background and circumstances of the attack.”
Tusk later traveled to Krakow from Warsaw while authorities continued their investigation.
The violence has shaken Poland, where there is not (or was) a mass shooting of this magnitude. One witness, a woman in her sixties has been named Annettehe described the frightening scene to Agence France-Presse:
“I saw someone shooting people and walking around the square. It’s a tragedy for Krakow; we’ve never seen anything like it before.”
The tragedy has also drawn expressions of sadness and solidarity from international leaders.
Tom Rossthe US ambassador to Poland wrote:
“We are just learning the details of the horrific mass shooting in Krakow, a brutal and murderous attack that has shattered peace in Poland.
Cajathe European Union’s top diplomat, similarly sympathetic, writes on X:
“The terrible loss of life in the shooting in Kraków is a tragedy that will be felt far beyond Poland. Poland’s strength lies in the suffering of its people. At this time of sorrow, Poland is not alone.”
As of Saturday, authorities had not publicly established the motive for the attack, or any other information about the attacker beyond what was reported here. Investigators were continuing to piece together what led to the devastating violence.
And obviously, given the fluid nature of this news and the ongoing situation here, it’s quite possible that even more people could succumb to their injuries. We hope not, of course, but sadly, we here in America know all too well how these things usually work. It’s really just awesome.
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Six lives were lost, several others changed forever, and an entire community left in grief after an evening that should have been like no other. Our hearts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.
So, so sorry…
To learn more about the effects of gun violence, visit
If you are experiencing emotional distress related to events of mass violence, you can call or text the Disaster Crisis Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit their website at for more resources.
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