Poland mass shooting gunman dies in hospital from police shootout injuries

The 24-year-old gunman behind a rare mass shooting in Poland has died in hospital from injuries sustained during a police shootout, authorities said. Malopolska regional Governor Krzysztof Kleczar stated via broadcaster TVN24 that the suspect succumbed to his injuries at approximately 4:30 am local time following multiple surgeries, after his condition had been described as critical from the outset. Regional police confirmed the death in a post on X.

The tragic events began when the masked gunman, wearing military-style clothing, a bulletproof vest, and carrying a military-grade weapon, drove a vehicle into the Main Market Square in Krakow's Old Town and opened fire on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses described widespread panic as the shooter targeted people in the historic tourist destination, shattering shop windows and firing at a tram during an attack that authorities say lasted for around three minutes. Even after being wounded by officers during the confrontation, the attacker continued firing before being subdued, detained, and taken to hospital. Two police officers who stopped the gunman were praised as heroic by officials, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk offering high praise for their actions. The officers sustained injuries during the shootout and were hospitalized, with both emerging from comas by Sunday afternoon. Surgeons at the scene, including Professor Michal Pędziwiatr and Dr Mateusz Wierdak, rushed to provide emergency medical care and stem bleeding before ambulances arrived.

Media additions

Gunman behind mass shooting in Krakow, Poland, dies in hospital, police say

Following the violence in the city centre, authorities searched the suspect's family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, roughly 150 kilometres northeast of Krakow. There, police discovered the bodies of the gunman's father, mother, and sister, who investigators believe died from gunshot wounds. Officials recovered a total of 11 firearms from the attack scenes and the family home, including weapons found in the suspect's possession or car and firearms registered to his father, who legally owned more than 10 guns. Prosecutors and local officials noted that the suspect also held a gun permit and had trained at a shooting club in Starachowice, which clarified that it offered only static shooting rather than tactical combat training.

Polish prosecutors opened an investigation into murder, attempted murder, and attacks on police officers, categorizing the atrocities as a terrorist offense. Investigators are working to determine whether the gunman acted alone or had outside assistance, with Eryk Stasielak of the Krakow branch of the national prosecutor's office explaining that electronic devices recovered from the suspect are being examined. Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek confirmed that the inquiry will continue despite the gunman's death. While Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński initially stated that preliminary findings indicated the assailant held radical, ultranationalist views and was fascinated by far-right ideologies, government figures and spokespeople later urged restraint until the matter is fully clarified, amid criticism from opposition politicians. An interior ministry spokesperson added that emblems and patches on the perpetrator's clothing, including a pirate-associated military-style patch, are being analyzed by specialists.

The nation observed two days of national mourning, and citizens gathered in Krakow's central square to lay flowers and candles. In a historic tribute, St. Mary's Trumpet Call, a traditional melody played hourly from St. Mary's Basilica, was paused overnight, marking the first time the call had been missed since World War II. Mass shootings remain uncommon in Poland, though the tragedy prompted broader discussions on national safety and firearm regulations. Looking ahead, Justice Minister Zurek announced that the government will review regulations concerning gun permit requirements, and prosecutors will press forward with their investigation to uncover any potential accomplices or broader motives.