Poland opens terror probe into Krakow attack; shooter likely inspired by far-right ideology

Prosecutors in Poland have launched a terrorism investigation following a fatal shooting that took place in the city of Kraków, which left six people dead and 16 others injured. The incident began when a 24-year-old man, identified only as Michał O., drove through the historic city center, firing his weapon randomly at a crowd that included both locals and tourists.

Among the victims were six Polish women of varying ages, a British man, and a 51-year-old woman of unknown nationality. Three additional bodies, believed to be the perpetrator's family members, were discovered in his home.

The interior ministry disclosed that the victims included citizens from the UK, Austria, Germany, Russia, and Portugal. Two police officers who pursued the attacker were critically injured during a shootout with him and were hospitalized. The attacker, whose injuries have kept him from being formally detained, remains under investigation for alleged terrorist offenses. CCTV footage captured the moment the police confronted the shooter.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the nation would observe two days of official mourning to honor the victims. Political leaders praised the bravery of the injured police officers, Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański, who were instrumental in ending the attack. Surgeons who were dining nearby when the shooting happened provided critical assistance during the aftermath, treating the injured police officers and aiding in their transport to a nearby hospital.