Poland begins two days of mourning over Krakow shooting

Poland initiated a two-day period of mourning on Sunday, following a shooting incident that occurred the previous day in Krakow's central market square. The assailant targeted six individuals, resulting in six fatalities and fifteen injuries. The attack took place in the Old Town's Main Square, a renowned tourist destination. Besides the six deaths, three additional victims, identified as the suspect's sister, mother, and father, were found at his residence.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk characterized the event as an act of far-right terrorism, though no specific motive has been disclosed. Mourners paid their respects by lighting candles in the square, while black and Polish flags adorned with black ribbons were observed throughout the city. The square remained partially inaccessible to the public as authorities continued their investigation.

The 24-year-old suspect, dressed in military attire during the attack, randomly fired at passersby before being subdued by police. He is currently in critical condition at a local hospital. According to police, the suspect was influenced by far-right ideologies and held extremist views. The victim roster included a British national, as well as citizens from Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, and Russia.

Two police officers were also wounded during the confrontation with the suspect and are undergoing treatment in the hospital. The local Krakow Carriage Driver's Association reported that several horse-drawn carriage drivers sustained severe injuries during the incident. Police discovered three bodies at the suspect's family home in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, approximately 93 miles northeast of Krakow.

These individuals were the suspect's sister, mother, and father. Authorities recovered several firearms from the residence. Notably, the suspect had no prior criminal history and was associated with a shooting club.