Gunman Opens Fire in Krakow’s Main Square, Killing Six and Wounding More Than a Dozen

A 24-year-old Polish citizen drove into one of Europe’s best-known tourist squares and shot at random people before police wounded him in a gunfight. Here is what is confirmed, what is still unknown, and what happens next.

Key Takeaways

A gunman attacked people in the heart of Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in one of the country’s rare mass shootings. The main points:

• Death toll: Six people were killed, according to police. The count started at five and was raised to six during the afternoon. Four of the dead were women and two were men.
• Injured: Reports range from 11 to 15 wounded, including two police officers, one of them seriously hurt.
• Location: The Main Square (Main Market Square) in Krakow’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage area packed with visitors.
• The attacker: A 24-year-old Polish citizen who police say acted alone. He was wounded by officers and taken to a hospital for surgery.
• Motive: Not publicly established. Authorities have not said whether they consider it terrorism.
• Public safety: Police said the public is no longer in danger.

What Happened

The shooting began shortly after 3 p.m. local time. According to police, the gunman drove into the Main Square and aimed at random people as he went. Emergency services first heard of shots fired from a moving vehicle near Sławkowska Street, a road that leads toward the square.

A police spokesperson, Katarzyna Cisło, described the driver’s route as a “wild ride” around the square. That explains why victims were hit in several different spots rather than one cluster. Video posted by witnesses showed crowds running out of the square and sheltering on narrow side streets.

At about the same time, a tram driver reported being fired on by a man in a moving car near the square. The window of the driver’s cabin was shattered. Police have not publicly said how many people were on that tram.

Officers confronted the attacker a short distance from where the violence started. He exchanged fire with police, was shot and wounded, and kept firing at officers even after being hit, Cisło said. He was then detained and taken to a hospital.

Timeline of Saturday, November 7

• Around 3 p.m.: A tram driver reports being shot at by a man in a moving car near the Main Square. Emergency services receive reports of gunfire in the square.
• Shortly after: Police respond, and a gunfight breaks out a short distance from the first shots. The suspect is wounded and detained.
• Early afternoon to evening: The square is evacuated and cordoned off. Ambulances arrive, and a Polish Medical Air Rescue helicopter lands in the square.
• During the afternoon: Police raise the death toll from five to six in a post on X.
• Later Saturday: Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki respond publicly. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński heads to the scene.

The Casualty Count and Why Numbers Differ

Early reports in the first hour spoke of two dead, then five, with around ten injured. As authorities updated figures, several outlets continued to publish older numbers. The latest figures in wire reporting are six dead and at least 11 wounded, with one Associated Press version citing 15 wounded in its text. Hospitals and police may still be sorting out who was treated for gunshot wounds and who suffered other injuries while fleeing, so expect the injured count to be adjusted.

The interior minister said two police officers were among the wounded, one seriously. Authorities had not released the identities of the victims at the time of writing, and nothing has been said about how many were visitors from abroad.

The Suspect and the Weapons

Police say the suspect is a 24-year-old Polish citizen. As of reporting, officials had not publicly named him. We are not naming him in this article, and will update if prosecutors release his identity and charges.

According to police, he wore military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest and used a military-type long gun. Officers found many other weapons and a quantity of ammunition in his car. Investigators have not said whether the firearm used, or the other weapons recovered, were legally owned.

Official Reaction

Polish leadership. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it a tragic shooting and said he was being briefed by the interior minister. He said authorities were examining the background and all circumstances of the attack, and later praised the officers who responded. President Karol Nawrocki said his thoughts were with the victims, the wounded and their families.

International. U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose posted that America stands with Poland after what he called a savage attack that shattered the peace of the country.

Police. A Krakow police spokesperson told Polish broadcaster TVN24 that the gunman acted alone and that residents and visitors are not in danger.

Why This Matters

A very busy target. Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city, roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Warsaw. About 15 million tourists visit each year, and most pass through the Main Square, which is lined with cafes, souvenir stalls, churches and the famous cloth hall. A Saturday afternoon in early November still draws heavy foot traffic.

A rare event in Poland. Mass shootings are uncommon there. Roughly 411,000 people hold gun permits in a country of about 37 million, though interest in gun ownership has been rising. In mid-October, three separate attacks at schools in the central province of Mazovia over four days left one person dead and many wounded, including children. Saturday’s attack is likely to intensify public debate over weapons access and security in crowded public spaces.

What We Still Do Not Know

• Motive: Authorities have not explained why the man attacked, or whether he had a specific target.
• Terrorism designation: Officials have not said if the attack will be treated as terrorism.
• Weapons: It is unclear whether the guns were legal, and how he obtained them.
• Victims: Names, ages and nationalities have not been released.
• Charges and condition: The suspect’s medical condition and the charges he will face have not been announced.

What Happens Next

• Prosecution: Once doctors clear him, the suspect is expected to face questioning and formal charges by prosecutors.
• Investigation: Police will examine his background, communications and how he acquired the weapons, which the prime minister said is already underway.
• Security review: Expect scrutiny of how police responded and whether protections for crowded areas will change.
• Policy debate: Gun permit rules and access to military-style weapons may return to the political agenda.
• The square: Authorities cordoned off the area on Saturday. Anyone planning to travel to Krakow should check local police and city government announcements for openings and any changes in security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people were killed in the Krakow shooting? Six, according to the latest police update.

Was anyone else involved? Police say the gunman acted alone.

Is the public still at risk? Police said the public is safe.

Was a police officer hurt? Yes. Two officers were wounded, and one of them seriously.

Has a motive been given? No. The motive remains unknown, and authorities have not said if it was terrorism.

Is Krakow safe for travelers? Police said there is no ongoing danger. Visitors should follow official updates from local authorities and their own government’s travel advisories.

Editor’s Note on Sources

This report draws on wire and broadcast coverage from the Associated Press, Reuters, Channel 4 News and Newsweek, along with statements from Krakow police, Prime Minister Tusk, President Nawrocki and the U.S. ambassador. Figures changed several times during Saturday, and later reports may revise the toll and details. This is a developing story and will be updated as officials release more information.