The shooting triggered panic in one of Poland’s busiest tourist destinations, forcing people to take shelter in shops and restaurants. Police say the attacker acted alone, but his motive remains unknown.
BY PC Bureau
November 7, 2026: At least five people were killed and more than a dozen injured, including at least two police officers, after a gunman opened fire on pedestrians in the heart of Kraków on Saturday afternoon.he shooting triggered panic in one of Poland’s busiest tourist areas, sent people fleeing into nearby shops and restaurants, and led to an armed confrontation between the suspect and police.
The shooting took place at the historic Main Market Square, known locally as Rynek Główny, shortly after 3 pm local time. The square, one of Poland’s largest medieval public spaces, is usually crowded with residents and tourists, particularly on weekends.
According to initial witness accounts and Poland’s media reports, the attacker arrived in a black Subaru from the direction of Sławkowska Street. He allegedly began firing at pedestrians from the moving vehicle. Some reports said the car had no visible number plates.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion as people ran for cover. Several shops and restaurants reportedly pulled down shutters or barricaded their entrances as gunshots rang out in the square. Accounts suggested that the gunman fired several rounds in bursts, with some witnesses reporting hearing around 10 shots.
The attacker is also reported to have fired at a tram on line 1 near Plac Wszystkich Świętych. The shots shattered a window in the driver’s cabin, although no injuries were reported in that incident.
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Police chase ends in armed confrontation
After opening fire in the city centre, the gunman fled in his vehicle. Police pursued him through the streets of Kraków, with the chase ending near the intersection of Dietla and Stradomska streets.
Officers exchanged fire with the suspect, shooting and wounding him before taking him into custody. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital, where reports said he required emergency medical treatment. Some accounts indicated that doctors were attempting to resuscitate him or had taken him in for surgery.
Police said there was a single attacker and that the immediate threat had been contained. Investigators are now working to establish the sequence of events, identify the victims and determine what prompted the shooting.
The emergency response was extensive. Police units, ambulances, firefighters and an air-ambulance helicopter were deployed to the area. The helicopter reportedly landed in the Main Market Square itself, while paramedics treated injured people near St. Mary’s Basilica.
Authorities cordoned off parts of the city centre and urged residents and visitors to stay away from the area. People inside nearby buildings were advised to remain sheltered while security personnel secured the scene and emergency teams attended to the wounded.
🚨🇵🇱 SUMMARY: What we know of the Krakow shooting so far
•At least 5 people have been killed, with dozens injured including 2 police officers
•The Interior Minister and Head of the National Security Bureau are currently in Krakow
•The shooting took place at 3pm local time in Kraków’s market square
•The suspect was shooting from his car, using a high-powered rifle and wearing military-style attire
•Media has reported a large number of weapons and munitions have been found in the attacker’s car
•The suspect has been transported to hospital after being shot by police, with no further suspects at this time
•Prime Minister Donald Tusk says the police are investigating the background and circumstances of the attack
— Politics Global (@PolitlcsGlobal) November 7, 2026
Five dead, more than a dozen injured
Małopolska Police confirmed that five people had died. The number of casualties changed as emergency services assessed the situation, with early reports putting the death toll at two before the figure was revised.
More than 10 people were reported injured. At least two police officers were among those hurt. Some media reports cited higher figures for the injured, but the precise number and the condition of those wounded were not immediately clear.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was receiving updates from Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, who was travelling to Kraków. Tusk described the incident as a tragic shooting and said the authorities were examining its circumstances and background.
Kierwiński was expected to oversee the government’s response and coordinate with local authorities and police.
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek appealed for calm and said the perpetrator would face severe punishment. President Karol Nawrocki expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.
US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose also commented on the shooting, describing it as a horrific attack.
Suspect dressed in camouflage; motive remains unknown
The suspect was described in Polish media reports as a man of approximately 25. His identity had not been officially released at the time of the initial reports.
Witness accounts and media descriptions said he was wearing military-style camouflage clothing, a green balaclava or face covering and tactical equipment. He was reportedly carrying a long firearm described in several accounts as an AR-15-style rifle or a similar carbine.
Police and other investigators were also reported to have secured a substantial quantity of additional weapons and ammunition from the suspect’s car. The nature and number of those weapons had yet to be established through an official account.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive. It was also unclear whether the suspect had any previous criminal record or known links to extremist groups. Investigators are expected to examine his background, movements before the shooting and possible connections with others.
Although Poland has experienced security incidents in the past, public shootings of this scale are relatively rare. Civilian gun ownership is regulated, and the attack is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of public security and the availability of firearms.
Attack strikes at the heart of a major tourist city
Kraków, Poland’s second-largest city, is one of the country’s principal cultural and tourist destinations. Its historic centre, including the Main Market Square, forms part of the UNESCO-listed Old Town and attracts visitors from across the world.
BREAKING:
Polish police officers have shot the suspected terrorist in Krakow, Poland.
Several people were killed by the man who was shooting from a car at the main square in Kraków’s Old Town https://t.co/M6UuzaT1bj
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 7, 2026
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, cafes and shops. St. Mary’s Basilica, one of the city’s best-known landmarks, stands along its eastern side. Horse-drawn carriages, street performers and outdoor dining areas normally make the square a busy gathering place.
The fact that the shooting occurred in this prominent public space, in the middle of a Saturday afternoon, heightened the alarm among residents and visitors.
Police and prosecutors are expected to investigate the attack, including the weapons used, the suspect’s movements and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation with officers. The suspect’s identity, the final casualty count and the motive remain subject to confirmation.
The investigation is continuing.
