Polish unity on show in silent march to honour Krakow shooting victims

Thousands of people participated in a silent march through central Krakow on Monday night, in memory of those killed and injured when a gunman went on a violent rampage. As they reached the historic Market Square, a bugler played from the tower, and mourners carried flowers and candles to leave at shrines dotting the cobblestones, marking each spot where someone died.

The grieving public was led by Poland's president and prime minister. These bitter political rivals put on a rare show of unity in the wake of the tragedy. Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that thousands of Poles gathered in Krakow to pay tribute to the victims of the attack. Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told TVN24 that the turnout demonstrated the country's capacity for dialogue and cooperation. Meanwhile, Krakow Mayor Lukasz Gibala also joined the public candlelight vigil.

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The alleged gunman was named by local media as 24-year-old Michal Oksinski, hailing from the south-eastern town of Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski. Investigators discovered the bodies of his parents and sister at his family home on Nov 7. Officials state that he likely shot them before driving approximately 200km south to continue the killing spree in Krakow. Critically injured in a shoot-out with police minutes after opening fire from his car in the historic main square, Oksinski did not regain consciousness and died in hospital early on Monday.

Initially, the interior minister claimed that Oksinski was driven by far-right, extremist views. The national prosecutor's office subsequently walked back those assertions, stating it was too soon to say he was inspired by any ideology. Government spokesperson Adam Szlapka told TVN24 that it is best to refrain from making comments until the matter is fully clarified. National opposition figures rejected the initial political claims, with Law and Justice party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski describing them as a blatant lie. Dr Pawel Musialek of the Jagiellonian University suggested that the interior minister wanted to win domestic political points, calling such behaviour irresponsible in a viciously polarised nation.

Investigators are examining Oksinski's electronic devices, such as his phone, alongside badges attached to his military-style outfit. National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Przemyslaw Nowak announced that a yellow Gadsden flag featuring a coiled snake was displayed in the suspect's bedroom. Nowak noted that while the flag carries meanings of freedom and rebellion, it is not necessarily negative. Interior Ministry spokesperson Karolina Galecka added that various emblems on the perpetrator’s clothing are still being examined. Furthermore, Poland’s Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime detained several individuals ranging in age from 15 to 36 for posting threatening or alarming content online after the attack, placing authorities on high alert for potential copycats.

When Oksinski's car and family apartment were searched, authorities recovered four firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Prosecutors confirmed that all of the weapons were owned legally by the alleged killer and his father. Both men were members of the Swit Starachowice sports club and its shooting range. A club spokesman recalled Oksinski as unremarkable, noting normal behaviour and average competition results, and mentioned that the suspect had visited the range just three times that year, most recently with his father in August. The club spokesman insisted they do not train combat firing, only shooting from a fixed point. Gun ownership in Poland has grown considerably since the war broke out in Ukraine, but this marks the first mass shooting residents can remember. Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek announced that the government will review regulations and psychological testing requirements for gun permit holders following the tragedy.

One victim was identified as a Polish painter in her 50s and a mother of four who was visiting town for an exhibition opening. A British citizen and an Austrian victim have not yet been named publicly. Several drivers of horse-drawn carriages typically used by tourists in the square were also seriously injured. Olha, a Ukrainian citizen who moved to Krakow for safety after Russia's full-scale invasion, recalled people rushing into her chocolate shop to escape the gunman. We left our own country for safety. This is supposed to be a safe place! she exclaimed. Scottish tourist Jo recounted seeing paramedics rush to save a local man in his 50s who died just outside a boarded-up Zara clothes shop.

At the spot where Oksinski's car was intercepted and police shot him, another memorial honours the officers still recovering in hospital. National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Przemyslaw Nowak confirmed that the two injured police officers have regained consciousness. Prime Minister Tusk shared on X that when officer Artur Moranski awoke, his first words were asking if fellow officer Jakub Kulik was alive. Kulik had been shot in the chest during the engagement. Local resident Ania praised the officers, stating This man was a real hero, he didn't hesitate regarding Kulik, while young resident Wojtek expressed relief that the perpetrator was Polish, noting local tensions surrounding immigration. Justice Minister Zurek confirmed that the investigation will press on to determine whether Oksinski acted alone or with outside influence.

For additional coverage on regional events, visit World coverage or review earlier reports on the Krakow shooting arrest and the gunman's death in hospital.