At least six people have been killed and around a dozen wounded after a gunman opened fire in the historic centre of Kraków, Poland's second-largest city, according to police. The attack unfolded in a busy area popular with tourists and locals alike, sending panic through the streets as pedestrians scrambled for cover.
Amateur footage circulating on social media shows people fleeing as shots ring out, with cars passing through the area. Other videos capture the aftermath, showing emergency services responding to the scene, broken glass and overturned chairs scattered nearby. A helicopter can also be seen flying over the area, underscoring the scale of the police operation.
Police response and investigation
Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the attacker or a possible motive, but they have cordoned off a large section of the old town as forensic teams comb the area. Witnesses described hearing a series of rapid gunshots, followed by screams and the sound of sirens. One local shopkeeper told reporters that he saw people running towards the Main Square, some seeking refuge in nearby buildings.
The incident comes as Poland has been on heightened alert over security threats, including concerns about espionage and hybrid warfare. In recent months, Polish authorities have detained six people accused of spying for Russia and smuggling military parts, and the country has been vocal about the need for stronger European security cooperation. While there is no immediate indication that the Kraków shooting is linked to terrorism, investigators are keeping all options open.
Kraków, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe's most visited cities, is known for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The shooting has shocked residents and visitors alike, and local authorities have urged people to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Poland's president and prime minister have both expressed condolences, with the president calling for unity in the face of violence. The government has also pledged to review security measures in public spaces, a topic that has been debated across Europe in recent years.
The attack has also reignited discussions about gun control in Poland, where firearm ownership is relatively restricted but has been rising in recent years. European Union officials have offered support to Polish authorities, and the European Commission has expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
As the investigation unfolds, questions are being raised about how such an attack could happen in a city that is generally considered safe. Police have not yet released details about the weapon used or whether the gunman acted alone, but they have assured the public that they are working to establish the full picture.
This tragedy adds to a series of security challenges facing Poland, which has also been at the forefront of European debates on eastern security in Ukraine talks. The country has repeatedly called for a stronger European stance on defence, and this incident is likely to reinforce those calls.
For now, the people of Kraków are mourning the loss of life and trying to make sense of an act of violence that has shattered the peace of their historic city. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected in the coming hours.
