Polish prosecutor's office investigates Krakow shooting as terrorist act

Classification of the crime and scale of the tragedy

On 8 November, the Polish prosecutor's office officially opened a criminal case regarding the mass shooting that took place the previous day in the historic centre of Krakow. Law enforcement agencies are treating this incident as a crime of a terrorist nature. If the charges are confirmed, the suspect faces a sentence of life imprisonment.

As a result of the attack, nine people died. Six of them died directly from gunshot wounds sustained in Krakow. Three more bodies, also showing signs of gunshot wounds, were found in the suspect's house located in the city of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski.

Circumstances of the relatives' murder

Preliminary investigation data indicates that the victims in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski were the shooter's parents and his 21-year-old sister. Investigators are currently verifying the man's involvement in the murder of his relatives.

Chronology of events in Krakow

On 7 November, a 24-year-old Polish citizen opened fire on pedestrians in the city centre. Among the six killed in Krakow are foreigners, including a 32-year-old British citizen. Another 16 people were injured, five of whom are foreigners.

A shootout with police occurred during the attacker's arrest. Two law enforcement officers were injured and hospitalised for surgical operations. According to the latest information, one of them has regained consciousness, while the other remains in a coma.

The suspect himself also sustained serious injuries and underwent several operations. He is currently in hospital under constant guard. Due to his health condition, investigators are not yet able to question the man or formally charge him.

Investigation and government response

Law enforcement agencies are reviewing surveillance camera footage, establishing the origin of the weapons used, analysing the suspect's circle of acquaintances, and examining possible motives for the crime.

The Polish Ministry of the Interior stated that police opened fire in return just three minutes after receiving reports of the shooting.

Mourning has been declared in Krakow. Investigative actions continue in the central part of the city. Police are calling on witnesses to provide any video recordings of the attack that may be useful for the investigation.