Shooting in Kraków's Main Market Square: six dead, national mourning in Poland

On Saturday 7 November 2026, at about 3pm, a car drove onto Kraków's Main Market Square. A masked man inside began firing at random people. According to police and officials, six people were killed, four women and two men. Sixteen people were injured, including two police officers.

What happened

Police said the gunman drove away from the square. After crashing into another car, he got out and opened fire on police officers. Officers returned fire, wounded him and arrested him about a kilometre from the Main Market Square, on Stradomska Street. He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery, and his condition is stable.

A passing tram was also hit by gunfire. According to Polish Radio, no one on board was hurt. People in the square took cover in nearby buildings, cafés and restaurants. The emergency services urged tourists and residents to find shelter.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the police responded very quickly. Police later said the first patrol began responding 23 seconds after the call. About 30 police units took part in the operation. Prime Minister Donald Tusk named the two officers who stopped the attacker: senior constables Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański.

What is known about the suspect

Police said the suspect is a Polish citizen who lives in the Świętokrzyskie region. He held a firearms licence and had no previous criminal record. The sources differ on his age: Polish Radio says 24, while Rzeczpospolita says 25. He was wearing military-style clothing. He used a rifle that police believe was an AR-15. Police found more firearms, ammunition and military-style equipment in his car.

Officials denied earlier reports of a second attacker. They also denied reports that a police officer had died. Three bodies were found at the suspect's home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, about 200 kilometres from Kraków. The sources we used do not officially give a motive. Prime Minister Tusk spoke of an "attack", and police are investigating the background and circumstances.

Reaction and mourning

Sunday 8 November was the first day of national mourning. Polish politicians responded to the attack. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola wrote on X that she had received the news with great sadness. Officials also appealed for blood donations for one of the injured officers.

BBC News published a video verified by BBC Verify, showing the moment gunshots rang out in the market square. We were unable to access that video, so we have relied on Polish sources.

The investigation is continuing. The number of casualties and other details may change as prosecutors and police establish more facts.