Poland detains 68-year-old man who threatened to repeat Krakow shooting

Scandal at Elblag City Hall

Polish police detained a 68-year-old resident of Elblag who threatened employees of the local administration with a repeat of the shooting attack that previously occurred in Krakow. The man caused a real scandal in the city hall building, where he openly declared his intention to stage a similar shooting attack in his city. His threats caused serious alarm among city officials.

Following the incident, police detained him at his place of residence and brought him to a detention centre. He is to be formally charged in the near future.

Public support for the attacker on social media

The second person involved in the case is a 40-year-old resident of the city of Ilawa. He published a post on social media in which he endorsed the actions of the perpetrator in Krakow and expressed threats towards other people. The man explained that he did this while in a state of alcohol intoxication and subsequently deleted his post.

During a search of the detainee's residence, police found no signs of preparation to carry out the threats. The prosecutor ordered the man to remain under police supervision.

Context of events and possible sanctions

The reason for the detentions was the shooting that took place on 7 November on the main square of Krakow. According to data, six people were killed in the attack, and another 15 were injured, including two police officers.

Liability for criminal incitement

Under current Polish legislation, public endorsement of a crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year. Threats can lead to imprisonment for up to three years.

Knowingly false information about a threat to the lives of many people carries a penalty of six months to eight years of imprisonment.