Five people have been killed and about a dozen more injured after a gunman opened fire on crowds in Krakow’s Main Market Square on Saturday afternoon, Polish police said. The attacker drove a car onto the historic square and began shooting at people at random before officers shot him and took him into custody.
FAKTA
- What happened: A man drove onto Krakow’s Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and opened fire at random people from his car.
- When: Saturday, 7 November 2026, at around 3pm local time.
- Killed: Five people, according to Polish police.
- Injured: About a dozen people, including two police officers.
- Suspect: Shot by police officers, detained and taken to hospital. He has not been named.
- Motive: Not yet known. Police are investigating.
What happened in Krakow’s Main Market Square
Małopolska Police said a police operation was under way in Krakow’s Main Market Square after a man who had driven onto the square began firing at random people from his car. The square, known in Polish as Rynek Główny, is one of the busiest public spaces in Poland’s second-largest city and is visited by thousands of people every day.
Police said the gunman was wearing military-style clothing. A police spokesperson said officers used their weapons during the arrest and the man returned fire. Two police officers were among the injured. A medical air rescue helicopter landed in the square as emergency services responded.
The death toll rose during the afternoon. Early reports put the number of dead at two, before police confirmed five people had been killed.
Krakow’s Main Market Square, Rynek Główny, is one of Poland’s busiest public spaces.
Krakow shooting investigation under way
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said police were investigating the background and all the circumstances of the attack, and that he was being kept informed by the interior ministry. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński was heading to the scene.
Police have not named the suspect and have not said what the motive may have been. Officials have not said the attack was terror-related, and the investigation is continuing at the scene.
Rare violence in Poland
Public shootings are rare in Poland, where gun laws are stricter than in many other countries. The attack brought a major emergency response to the heart of Krakow’s Old Town on a busy Saturday afternoon, with the square cordoned off while officers secured the area.
Emergency services remained at the scene into the evening as the investigation continued. Further updates are expected as police establish the identity of the gunman and the circumstances of the shooting.
Read more on Watan News.
