Krakow shooting suspect dies, investigation continues amid state mourning

The armed attacker opened fire on Krakow’s main market square from a moving car, killing six people. Later, the bodies of the man’s closest family members – his father, mother, and sister – were found in a house in the small town of Ostrowiec Swietokryzskie. It is believed they were also killed by the suspect.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski reported that the suspect held radical views and was fascinated by right-wing extremist ideologies. The motive for his actions remains unclear. The prosecutor’s office described the act as having a “terroristic character.”

Two of the victims were foreign nationals: one from Great Britain and one from Austria. Among the numerous injured are five people from Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Austria, and Russia.

Krakow’s prosecutor, Eryk Stasielak, told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the investigation into the shooter’s motive and potential connections will continue despite his death. He noted that the suspect’s death eliminates certain legal steps, such as ordering pre-trial detention, but a large amount of evidence still needs to be analyzed.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki declared two days of national mourning, which continued on Monday. Radio and television stations altered their programming, removing entertainment shows. Theaters canceled performances, and concerts began with a minute of silence.

In the center of Krakow, people have been laying candles and flowers. Solidarity cards bearing the French inscription “Je suis Krakow” (meaning “I am Krakow”) have also been displayed. A rally is scheduled for Monday evening on the Main Market Square, the site of the massacre. Mayor Lukasz Gibala urged residents to “show solidarity in these difficult times and prove that Krakow will always be a proud, hospitable, and open city.”,