Polish authorities blame Krakow attack on ‘far-right ideologies’

Polish authorities have linked a deadly attack in Krakow to far-right ideologies after a 24-year-old man with extremist beliefs drove into a crowded square and opened fire, killing six people and injuring 15 others. The incident occurred on Saturday in the main square, a popular tourist destination in Krakow, which is Poland's second-largest city.

By Sunday, mourners had placed candles in memory of the victims, and the traditional St. Mary’s Trumpet Call was paused in tribute overnight, a first since World War II. The assailant's family members were found dead at their home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, likely from gunshot wounds.

International witnesses, including a U.K. resident and a Greek tourist, recounted their harrowing experiences during the attack. Polish authorities declared the attack a terrorist act, with the suspect holding "very radical" and "ultranationalistic" views, indicative of far-right ideologies. Four Polish victims and three foreign nationals, including a U.K. resident, perished in the shooting.

The attacker, confirmed to be 24 years old, was in critical condition after multiple surgeries. Four police officers and two local surgeons who provided medical assistance to the gunman were also injured.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński stated that the suspect found seven weapons at his family home, bringing the total recovered to 11. The Swit shooting club in Starachowice, where the suspect is believed to have trained, denied providing any combat or tactical training. The tragic attack comes amidst rising interest in gun ownership in Poland, with around 411,000 permits held by citizens out of a population of 37 million.