Krakow Shooting: 6 Dead, 15 Wounded in Market Square Attack

A 24-year-old gunman opened fire from a moving car on Krakow's historic Main Market Square on Saturday afternoon, killing at least six people and wounding 15 in what Polish authorities are treating as a terror attack. The Krakow shooting, which unfolded around 15:00 local time on 7 November 2026, left four women and two men dead and forced panicked tourists and residents to shelter in nearby hotels and restaurants. Police shot and arrested the suspect, identified by Polish media as Michał O. from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, after a brief pursuit and gunfight.

What Happened in the Krakow Shooting?

The attack began around 15:00 CET when the suspect drove a black Subaru into Rynek Główny, Krakow's central market square and one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. According to witnesses and police, he fired an AR-15-style rifle from the vehicle, with gunshots heard for over a minute. A tram was struck, and the driver called emergency services. The gunman continued along Grodzka Street, pursued by police, and was eventually wounded and arrested about one kilometre from the square. A shootout left two officers injured, one critically after being shot three times.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on social media: The police are investigating the background and all circumstances of the attack. He also expressed condolences to the victims' families and praised heroic police officers who risked their lives.

Krakow Shooting Timeline: Key Events

• 14:55 – Suspect drives into Main Market Square
• 15:00 – Shots fired from moving car; pedestrians flee
• 15:05 – Tram struck, driver alerts police
• 15:10 – Police pursuit along Grodzka Street
• 15:20 – Shootout and arrest; suspect wounded
• 20:50 – Prime Minister announces investigation

Who Was the Krakow Shooter?

The suspect, a 24-year-old from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, had no criminal record, according to Polish media. Authorities said he wore military-style clothing and a bulletproof vest. Police later found the bodies of his father, mother and sister at his flat, bringing the total death toll to nine. Interior minister Marcin Kierwiński said the suspect appeared inspired by far-right ideology. This has drawn comparisons to other far-right extremist attacks in Europe and renewed calls for stricter gun control laws in Poland.

Motive and Investigation: Why Did the Krakow Attack Happen?

At the time of the shooting, a demonstration by right-wing activists was taking place near the square to protest the Constitutional Court crisis, but police have not confirmed any link. The suspect's car was registered to his 52-year-old father, who reportedly held a firearms permit and owned eleven guns. Investigators are examining the suspect's online activity and possible radicalisation. Poland's deadliest single-perpetrator mass shooting has prompted national debate about extremism and public safety.

Impact and Response to the Krakow Shooting

Krakow's mayor declared a period of mourning until 11 November. Warsaw and Wrocław tightened security around public spaces. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was checking with its embassy in Warsaw whether any Dutch nationals were among the victims. International leaders condemned the attack, and the incident has raised urgent questions about tourist safety in European cities and the rise of politically motivated violence.

Krakow Shooting FAQ

What happened in the Krakow shooting?

A 24-year-old man fired from a moving car at pedestrians in Krakow's Main Market Square on 7 November 2026, killing six people at the scene and wounding at least 15.

How many people died in the Krakow attack?

Six people died at the square, including four women and two men. Police later found the bodies of the suspect's father, mother and sister at his flat, raising the total death toll to nine.

Who was the Krakow shooter?

The suspect is a 24-year-old Polish man from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. He had no criminal record and was shot and arrested by police after a pursuit.

What was the motive for the Krakow shooting?

Authorities have not confirmed a motive, but the interior minister said the suspect appeared inspired by far-right ideology. A right-wing demonstration was taking place nearby at the time.

Is Krakow safe for tourists after the shooting?

Polish authorities have increased security and said the public is safe. Tourists are advised to follow local guidance and avoid the cordoned-off area while the investigation continues.