Polish authorities investigating shooting that left six dead and at least one 15 injured on Krakow’s Market Square, cultural center of the historic city, according to authorities.
The shooter, a Polish national, was shot dead by police at the scene and taken to hospital around 3 p.m. local time. The shots were fired from a vehicle traveling in the area, Krakow officials said in a series of X-rated posts.
A previous message from the city The city government’s official account said investigators were working to determine the extent of the incident.
Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło told TVN24 that the attacker wore military-style fatigues and used a military-style long gun in the attack. Police found numerous parts of other weapons, as well as ammunition, in his car.
Dramatic video posted to social media shows what appears to be an injured police officer shooting the suspect before falling to his knees and rolling onto his back. The officer, who did not appear to have backup nearby, struggled to reload his firearm and appeared to be holding his right arm.
The officer’s condition was not known. Małopolska police wrote in an X-post that no police officers had been killed, citing what they considered to be incorrect reports.
Other chilling video clips from the scene show a black sedan racing through the square. Dozens of people began running in various directions at the sound of gunshots.
Some clips on social media show responders trying to save victims’ lives. Dead bodies could be seen scattered in the streets after the attack.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also wrote on social media that police were trying to determine the circumstances of the attack.
“We have just learned the details of the horrific mass shooting in Krakow, a savage and deadly attack that shattered the peace in Poland,” Tom Rose, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, wrote on X. “America stands with Poland in this dark hour as Poland stands with its beloved citizens of Krakow.”
The Main Market Square is in the heart of Krakow’s medieval Old Town. Built in 1257, this vast square is home to the historic Cloth Hall and Sainte-Marie Basilica.
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