Poland calls Krakow shooting rampage ‘terrorist’ attack

Krakow, Poland experienced a mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of six people on Saturday, including a 24-year-old Polish man who authorities say was fascinated by far-right ideologies. The gunman, a 32-year-old British man and a 51-year-old Austrian woman were among the victims, with four others being Polish. The incident occurred in the historic center of Krakow's second city, where the gunman opened fire randomly, apparently at random. The attacker was wounded in a shootout with police and was in critical condition at a hospital.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the attack an act of terrorism, and the National Prosecutor's Office launched a terrorism investigation. Flowers and lit candles were placed on the streets of Krakow in tribute to the victims, as the city entered a period of national mourning for two days. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow for the victims and wounded in a message to the archbishop of Krakow.

Krakow's usually busy site of the attack was sealed off with red-and-white tape, with most of the souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes remaining closed.

The gunman's parents and sister were found dead at his home, around 150km northeast of Krakow. Seven firearms were seized from the suspect's car, and investigators found injuries on the bodies, which were preliminarily assessed as gunshot wounds. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed shock and sadness at the "appalling shooting."