A 24-year-old Polish man opened fire at random in Krakow's main market square on November 7, 2026, killing six people and wounding 15 others. The attacker, identified as a Polish citizen, drove into the crowded area and fired at pedestrians before being shot and wounded by police. The incident occurred in the heart of Krakow's historic center, a major tourist destination.
Authorities confirmed the suspect had far-right views, with Poland's defense minister describing the attack as an "act of terror." The shooting triggered a two-day national mourning period in Poland, with flags flown at half-mast. Leaders from Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine, the Baltic states, the EU, and the US expressed condolences, emphasizing that Poland does not stand alone.
This is the deadliest attack in Krakow since 2015, when a gunman killed three people in a similar incident. The current attack has raised concerns about rising far-right extremism in the region. Police are investigating the motive behind the shooting, with no immediate indication of a larger plot. The victim list includes both locals and tourists, highlighting the impact on the city's international reputation.
