Kraków Shooting: Gunman Dies in Hospital After Killing 6

The Kraków shooting that left six people dead and at least fifteen injured has claimed another life: the suspected gunman, 24-year-old Michał Oksiński, died in hospital on the morning of 9 November 2026. Polish police confirmed the death on X, writing: 'We would like to inform you that the perpetrator of the tragic events died in hospital early this morning.' The suspect had been seriously wounded in a police shootout after opening fire on crowds in Kraków's historic Main Square on 7 November.

What happened in the Kraków shooting?

At around 15:00 CET on Saturday, 7 November 2026, a black Subaru hatchback drove into Kraków's Main Square. A man wearing military-style tactical gear and a bullet-resistant vest fired an AR-15-style rifle into the crowd as he drove through the square, with gunshots heard for over a minute. The attacker also fired at a tram near Sienna and Grodzka streets, shattering the driver's window. Police pursued the vehicle south along Grodzka Street, and about 1 km from the square, two officers intercepted the gunman. In the exchange of fire, both officers were shot in the chest and the suspect was hit multiple times, including in the abdomen, thigh and chest, before being incapacitated. The first police units arrived within three minutes of the first emergency call, and 1,146 police units, 62 paramedics and 24 fire crews responded, according to TVN24. Similar to previous far-right attacks in Europe, the incident has triggered urgent questions about extremist violence.

Who was Michał Oksiński?

Polish media identified the suspect as Michał Oksiński, 24, from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, about 150 km from Kraków. He worked as a machinist after qualifying at a local vocational school. Neighbours described him as quiet and reserved, while a former schoolmate told media he drew violent scenes, including hangings and armed attackers targeting schools. The far-right radicalisation of young men has become a growing concern in Europe; Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said Oksiński was fascinated by the far right and held radical, ultra-nationalist views. Prosecutors opened a terrorism investigation, treating the attack as a crime with a terrorist character. Authorities also discovered the bodies of Oksiński's father, mother and 21-year-old sister, shot dead in the family home, bringing the total death toll to nine.

Victims and police response

Among the six people killed at the square were four Polish nationals, a 32-year-old British man and a 51-year-old Austrian woman. Sixteen people were injured, including five foreign citizens and two police officers. By 8 November, both wounded officers had been brought out of comas but remained in serious condition. One officer woke from a coma on Sunday; his condition was described as serious but stable. The two officers who helped end the attack have been widely praised. Animal rights group OTOZ Animals said the attacker also shot and wounded two horses, one hit in the leg.

Impact and national mourning

Poland began two days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. The attack has reignited debate about gun control in Poland and the monitoring of extremist ideologies. Oksiński had a valid sports firearms permit and regularly practised at a shooting club in Starachowice, where his father was also a member with 11 registered firearms. The governor of the province, speaking to TVN24, said: 'There was a continuous struggle to save this man's life, despite the crime he had committed.' Authorities say the motive remains unclear, but the far-right angle is a central line of inquiry.

FAQ

How many people died in the Kraków shooting?

Six people were killed in the attack on Kraków's Main Square, and the suspected gunman later died in hospital. Separately, three family members of the suspect were found dead at his home, bringing the total to nine deaths linked to the case.

Who was the Kraków shooter?

The suspect was Michał Oksiński, 24, from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. Polish authorities said he held radical, ultra-nationalist, far-right views.

Was the Kraków attack terrorism?

Polish prosecutors opened a terrorism investigation and authorities treated the attack as having a terrorist character, citing the suspect's far-right ideology.

What happened to the police officers?

Two officers were shot in the chest during the shootout. Both were brought out of comas by 8 November and remained in serious condition.

What weapon was used in the Kraków shooting?

The gunman used an AR-15-style rifle and wore military-style tactical gear and a bullet-resistant vest.