Krakow shooting latest: British national among six people killed by gunman in ‘act of terror’

A British national is among six people dead in a mass shooting in Krakow, police have said.

The person, who has not been identified, is one of four women and two men who were killed in the drive-by attack in the city’s main market square at around 3pm.

The gunman drove into the tourist spot and began firing shots, local police said, adding that the suspect was shot and arrested.

At least 16 others have been injured, including the suspect and two police officers, one of whom is in a critical condition.

On Saturday evening, Poland’s police commander-in-chief, Marek Boron, confirmed the death of the British national. Three of the other victims were Polish, he added. The identity of the remaining two dead is still unknown.

Earlier, Poland’s interior minister Marcin Kierwinski said the 25-year-old suspect, who is in hospital in a serious condition, was influenced by far-right ideology. Officials said the bodies of three people were discovered at the suspect’s home.

The country’s defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, called the shooting an “act of terror” as a period of mourning was declared in Poland for Sunday and Monday.

Key Points

• British citizen among the victims killed, say Polish police
• Burnham 'shocked and saddened' by shooting
• Suspect was fascinated by 'far-right ideology'
• Everything Donald Tusk told reporters on attack
• Krakow declares period of mourning after attack

In photos: Authorities raid suspected shooter's home

05:30 , Vishwam Sankaran

Watch:

03:00 , Maira Butt

Suspect was fascinated by 'far-right ideology'

02:00 , Maira Butt

The suspect in the shooting that killed six people in Krakow on Saturday was fascinated by far-right ideology, Poland’s interior minister Marcin Kierwinski has told a news briefing.

“Everything points to the fact that the shooter was influenced by far-right ideology, a matter that will also be subject to investigation,” Kierwinski said.

“Police officers are on-site, as are agents from the Internal Security Agency, both here at the scene and at the individual's family home.”

Full report: ‘Horrific mass shooting’ in Krakow after gunman kills six in Polish hotspot

01:00 , Maira Butt

A gunman killed six people and wounded 15 more when he opened fire in a busy market square in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

The attack unfolded in the Main Square, a major tourist destination in the centre of the city, according to Krakow police. The gunman, a Polish citizen, aimed at random people as he drove into the square, police said.

In full:

‘Horrific mass shooting’ in Krakow after gunman kills six in Polish hotspot

Period of national mourning declared

00:19 , Alex Ross

A spokesperson for President Karol Nawrocki said he would declare a period of national mourning on November 8 and 9.

"My thoughts are with the victims, those injured, and their families," Nawrocki wrote on ‌X.

Watch: Everything we know about Krakow drive-by shooting

00:01 , Maira Butt

Nationalities of victims confirmed

Saturday 7 November 2026 23:30 , Maira Butt

Poland’s interior minister spokesperson has confirmed the nationalities of the victims killed in Saturday’s shooting in Krakow.

They are from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia and Britain.

‘We heard about 20 shots’: Witnesses describe terror of Krakow shooting as six people killed

Saturday 7 November 2026 22:30 , Maira Butt

Terrified witnesses have described the moment a gunman opened fire in Krakow’s main market square, killing four women, two men and injuring at least 15 more.

Police said the man drove a car into the tourist spot on Saturday just before 3pm, and then began firing randomly at people as panic broke out.

Armed officers rushed to the scene and engaged in a shoot-out, with two officers injured including one in a critical condition after suffering three gunshot wounds.

‘We heard about 20 shots’: Witnesses describe terror of Krakow shooting as six dead

Watch: British national among six people killed by gunman, say police

Saturday 7 November 2026 22:20 , Maira Butt

Who is the Krakow shooting suspect ‘influenced by far-right ideology’

Saturday 7 November 2026 22:02 , Maira Butt

Six people including one British national have been killed in a shooting in the Polish city of Krakow on Saturday.

The attack occurred at around 3pm local time when a gunman opened fire in the city’s main square.

The victims include four women and two men. At least 16 others have been reported injured including two police officers, one of whom is in a “very critical condition”.

Who is the Krakow shooting suspect ‘influenced by far-right tideology’

Polish defence minister describes incident as 'terror attack'

Saturday 7 November 2026 21:59 , Maira Butt

Poland’s defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters that the incident was a "terror attack”.

He said "this terrible act of terror killed six people".

Andy Burnham 'shocked and saddened' by shooting

Saturday 7 November 2026 21:19 , Alex Ross

Just following the news that a British national is among those killed in the shooting earlier, prime minister Andy Burnham has given his reaction on social media.

He wrote: “I’m shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting in Kraków today.

“My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives, everyone injured and all those affected by this senseless violence. The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Poland.”

What did PM Donald Tusk say at the press conference this evening?

Saturday 7 November 2026 21:16 , Maira Butt

Prime minister Donald Tusk has spoken at a press conference this evening. Here are the key points he made:

• He expressed solidarity with the families of the victims of the incident and urged people not to “speculate”
• Tusk confirmed that authorities are searching through the home of the shooter and are expecting “quite a lot of arms” and guns there
• The shooter’s car does not constitute a “pyrotechnic threat” and Tusk reassured the public that it “will not explode”
• Tusk said that the shooter’s “supporters” will also be detained
• He added that three people had been found dead at the shooter’s home, including two women and one man that assumed to be his “close family”

Two women and one man found dead in suspect's home

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:58 , Maira Butt

Prime minister Donald Tusk has said that two women and one man have been found dead in the suspect’s home.

He said the victims are likely to have been members of his “close family”.

Dead people likely to be found in home of suspect, says PM Tusk

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:56 , Maira Butt

Prime minister Donald Tusk has said that there are likely to be dead people in the home of the suspect.

The 24-year-old suspect remains in custody.

British citizen among the victims killed by gunman, say Polish police

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:48 , Maira Butt

One of the victims killed in the shooting today was a British citizen, Polish police have confirmed.

Five of the victims killed were foreign nationals.

Suspect in a serious condition in hospital

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:41 , Alex Ross

In the evening news briefing we’ve been covering, Polish interior minister Marcin Kierwinski told reporters that the suspect, who he earlier said was inspired by “far-right ideologies”, was in a serious condition in hospital.

One hypothesis is that the suspect took guns for the attack from his family home. Mr Kierwinski said the suspect’s father had several guns.

“It looks like he had very radical views,” Mr Kierwinski said. “In the car he was driving, many guns were found and a search is still being carried out.”

The suspect is aged 25, said Mr Kierwinksi, which is a correction the agee issued by police earlier.

Portuguese woman among the injured as tributes pour in from Europe

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:40 , Maira Butt

Portugal’s foreign ministry has said that a Portuguese woman was among the injured and was in hospital, without providing more details.

Expressions of shock and condolence have flooded in from around Europe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the shooting "shocking".

"On behalf of the Ukrainian people, and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims," he wrote on X.

European foreign policy chief Kaja ⁠Kallas said that the incident is "a tragedy that will be felt far beyond Poland".

Five foreign nationals among the injured

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:30 , Alex Ross

As we’ve been reporting, at least 16 people were injured when a gunman opened fire in the centre of Krakow this afternoon.

Polish interior minister Marcin Kierwinski has just told a news briefing that of the 16, five are foreign nationals.

One of the six killed is also a foreign national, he said.

PM Tusk on the way to Krakow

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:20 , Maira Butt

Prime minister Donald Tusk sad he was being kept informed about the incident in the historic centre of Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in a statement on X on Saturday.

He later headed to Krakow from the capital Warsaw, a government spokesperson said.

President Karol Nawrocki said his thoughts were with the victims, those affected and their families in the aftermath of the shooting.

Watch: Gunman in military gear shot by police after killing six in Krakow

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:00 , James Reynolds

Full report: ‘Horrific mass shooting’ in Krakow after gunman kills six in Polish hotspot

Saturday 7 November 2026 20:00 , James Reynolds

A gunman killed six people and wounded 15 more when he opened fire in a busy market square in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

The attack unfolded in the Main Square, a major tourist destination in the centre of the city, according to Krakow police. The gunman, a Polish citizen, aimed at random people as he drove into the square, police said.

In full:

‘Horrific mass shooting’ in Krakow after gunman kills six in Polish hotspot

Witnesses say suspect used a 'machine gun'

Saturday 7 November 2026 19:40 , Maira Butt

Witnesses told TV Republika that they saw black Subaru drive up to the location and start shooting at the crowds on the market square in Krakow.

“I saw the guy, he started loading his machine gun,” one witness told the news station.

“I don't think he was firing blindly, these were deliberate shots. He had a sort of police mask on and goggles on. Then he shot at the church and fled towards Grodzka Street. Everyone was running away from there, people in horse-drawn carriages.”

One man described how several people cowered for safety in a police station after the shots rang out.

"I saw shots being fired from the driver's side window, and smoke was coming out,” the man who said his name was Konrad, told Interia.

Suspect was fascinated by 'far-right ideology'

Saturday 7 November 2026 19:31 , Maira Butt

The suspect in the shooting that killed six people in Krakow on Saturday was fascinated by far-right ideology, Poland’s interior minister Marcin Kierwinski has told a news briefing.

“Everything points to the fact that the shooter was influenced by far-right ideology, a matter that will also be subject to investigation,” Kierwinski said.

“Police officers are on-site, as are agents from the Internal Security Agency, both here at the scene and at the individual's family home.”

'I've never witnessed such panic': Witnesses describe horror of shooting

Saturday 7 November 2026 19:21 , Maira Butt

People at the scene of the incident have recalled the terrifying moments they heard gunshots and ran for cover. One person reported hearing “about 20 shots”.

“We were walking to the store and heard gunshots. Suddenly we turned around, people started running, tourists from other countries didn't know what was happening. We heard about 20 shots,” Aleksander told Poland’s Faktowi.

He said that he “ran into the store, the lady closed the door, and we waited a moment.”

“I've never witnessed such panic. People were running into stores to hide,” he said.

Watch: Panic breaks out as a gunman opens fire in Krakow city centre

Saturday 7 November 2026 19:00 , James Reynolds

Video shared on social media shows panic in Krakow’s city centre after a shooting on Saturday (7 November) that left at least six people dead and more than a dozen injured, authorities said.

In the footage, gunshots can be heard as people on the streets run for cover, with some seen hiding in nearby restaurants.

Małopolska police said a gunman drove into the busy market square around 3pm local time and fired at random from a moving car. The suspect, a Polish national, was shot and arrested wearing tactical military clothing and carrying a weapon and ammunition. He was taken to hospital in police custody.

Two officers were among the injured. Prime minister Donald Tusk said police are investigating the background and circumstances of the attack.

'I saw shots fired from the driver's side window,' recounts witness

Saturday 7 November 2026 18:45 , James Reynolds

"I saw shots being fired from the driver's side window, and smoke was coming out. I ran to the police station in the main market square; when I burst inside, it was full of people hiding on the floor," a man who gave his name only as Konrad, and witnessed the shooting, told news website Interia.

Full story: Six killed and 15 injured in Krakow drive-by shooting

Saturday 7 November 2026 18:30 , James Reynolds

A gunman shooting randomly from a car killed six people and wounded 15 in the southern Polish city of Krakow on Saturday, officials said, before police shot and arrested the suspect.

The injured included two police officers who were hurt - one of them seriously - in a shootout with the alleged attacker, who police said wore "military-style" clothes, had military weapons and had opened fire on the city's main square.

Krakow police said on X that the alleged gunman was a Polish citizen, adding: "The only known perpetrator of the incident is in police custody". They did not mention any motive for the shootings, which killed four women and two men.

Police said they started to receive reports at around 3 p.m. (1400 GMT) that an assailant had opened fire from a car and had shot randomly at people in the square in Poland's second-largest city, a popular tourist destination.

Unverified footage shared on social media showed people fleeing the scene as shots rang out and police sirens blared. Other video showed two people lying on blood-spattered paving stones and bystanders trying to resuscitate them. A third person lay motionless on the ground nearby.

Saturday 7 November 2026 18:15 , James Reynolds

PM Tusk praises 'heroic' police

Saturday 7 November 2026 18:07 , James Reynolds

Donald Tusk has praised the police officers who intervened to stop the gunman in Saturday’s attack in Krakow.

"The highest praise for the heroic police officers who risked their lives,” the PM wrote on social media as he made his way to the city.

“And a heartfelt appeal to politicians of all stripes: do not play with this tragedy. We will explain all the circumstances of this crime," he added.

Krakow declares period of mourning after deadly attack

Saturday 7 November 2026 18:01 , James Reynolds

Krakow on Saturday declared a period of mourning lasting until 11 November, following the deadly attack that killed at least six.

“Following the tragic shooting in Kraków’s Main Market Square, a period of mourning has been declared until November 11. Mayor Łukasz Gibała announced that the order had been signed,” a statement read.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died. Our thoughts are also with those who were injured and their loved ones.”

In pictures: Police remain on the scene into Saturday evening

Saturday 7 November 2026 18:00 , James Reynolds

Suspect identified as 24-year-old from southern Poland, local media reports

Saturday 7 November 2026 17:44 , James Reynolds

The suspected perpetrator has been identified as a 24-year-old resident of Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, a rural province in south-central Poland, according to TVN.

Four woman and two men killed, police confirm

Saturday 7 November 2026 17:40 , James Reynolds

Six people have now died from Saturday’s attack, local police confirm, identifying the victims only as four women and two men.

Death toll reaches six, local media reports

Saturday 7 November 2026 17:03 , James Reynolds

The death toll has risen to six, according to Polish outlet TVN24.

Krakow police deny reports of a second perpetrator

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:49 , James Reynolds

Krakow police earlier told the Polish Press Agency that, according to preliminary information, there may have been two perpetrators involved in the attack.

But the Provincial Police Headquarters in Krakow now pushes back on those reports.

"The perpetrator of the incident in Krakow's Main Market Square is a citizen of the Republic of Poland,” Małopolska Policja say in a new statement on social media.

“We deny the reports of the police officer's death and the search for another perpetrator. The only known perpetrator of the incident is in police custody."

Suspect identified as Polish national - police

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:41 , James Reynolds

The suspect detained by police at the scene with a long rifle has been identified as a Polish national, local outlet Onet reports.

Katarzyna Cisło, spokeswoman for the Małopolska police, told the outlet: “I can confirm that the perpetrator is Polish.”

KRAKOW SHOOTING LIVE: At least five dead and a dozen injured

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:38 , James Reynolds

NEW: Police believe two people involved in attack

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:28 , James Reynolds

Krakow police said they believe that there were two perpetrators of the shooting, still based on preliminary information.

It is not yet clear if a second suspect has been arrested.

Everything we know about Krakow drive-by shooting

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:23 , James Reynolds

At least five people were killed and around a dozen injured in a shooting in Krakow’s central main market square on Saturday.

• A gunman was said to have opened fire on random people in a drive by attack on the busy market square around 3pm.
• Police initially said they believe the attacker was acting alone after arresting an unidentified male suspect.
• But a later update said they may have been two people involved.

• The suspect arrested allegedly fought back and shot at police during his arrest, injuring two.
• The suspect was also shot during the arrest but survived and was taken to hospital.
• Police have said the suspect was wearing military style attire and carrying a military-style long rifle.

In pictures: Night falls on market square after attack

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:17 , James Reynolds

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:14 , James Reynolds

Avoid the area, says US consulate after attack

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:11 , James Reynolds

The US consulate in Krakow urges citizens to avoid the area at this time.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates,” they say on social media.

📣Local police confirmed reports of shots fired in Krakow's Main Market Square. Avoid the area at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

We encourage U.S. citizens to review our Worldwide Caution (https://t.co/YDB3W2etJQ). U.S. citizens are… pic.twitter.com/cWXMKKDkE6

— US Consulate Krakow (@USConsKrakow) November 7, 2026

The latest: Man in military-style attire 'returned fire on police' during arrest

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:04 , James Reynolds

Police started to receive reports at around 3 p.m. (1400 GMT) that someone in a car had been shooting randomly people who entered the square, a police spokesperson said.

"According to information from police officers, the man was wearing military-style attire," a police spokesperson told reporters.

"During the arrest, officers used their weapons, but the man returned fire; as a result, two police officers are among the injured."

Zelensky condemns 'shocking crime' in Krakow

Saturday 7 November 2026 16:00 , James Reynolds

Writing on social media, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky condemns the “shocking crime” in Krakow.

“On behalf of the Ukrainian people, and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” he writes.

“There can be no justification for this attack, and we trust the perpetrator will face justice. We wish strength and a speedy recovery to the injured and to everyone affected by this tragedy.

“Ukraine stands in solidarity with Poland and the Polish people. People have the right to safety.”

Suspect 'used military-type long weapon', police say

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:58 , James Reynolds

Police police say the shooter used a long military-type firearm in the shooting.

Video circulating social media heard multiple controlled gunshots.

NEW: Perpetrator unknown, caught wearing military clothing

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:54 , James Reynolds

The provincial police headquarters in Krakow corroborates video showing a man detained in tactical gear.

They say the suspect was wearing military clothing and that a weapon and ammunition were secured during his detention.

“We do not currently know the identity of the perpetrator, who was taken to hospital,” they add.

Police not looking for anyone else

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:51 , James Reynolds

Police say they are only dealing with one suspected perpetrator and are not looking for anybody else in connection with today’s events.

President Nawrocki waiting on full details

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:49 , James Reynolds

Polish president Karol Nawrocki says he is waiting on a full explanation of what happened.

“I am deeply concerned by reports of the tragic events in central Kraków. My thoughts are with the victims, those injured and their families,” he writes on social media.

“I remain in contact with the relevant authorities and expect a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. The head of the National Security Bureau is on his way to Kraków.

“The safety of Poles is an absolute priority!”

Police latest: Five people were killed and a dozen or so injured

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:46 , James Reynolds

“Five people were killed and a dozen or so injured in the incident in the Main Market Square,” police say.

“The perpetrator was shot by police officers and is currently being taken to hospital.

“Emergency services are still working at the scene.”

~Aktualizacja
W zdarzeniu w Rynku Głównym śmierć poniosło 5 osób, kilkanaście jest rannych.

Sprawca został postrzelony przez policjantów, jest obecnie transportowany do szpitala.

Trwa akcja służb na miejscu zdarzenia. pic.twitter.com/WqONzFJOMI

— Małopolska Policja (@kwpkrakow) November 7, 2026

US ambassador condemns 'savage and murderous attack'

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:42 , James Reynolds

Tom Rose, the US ambassador to Poland, laments the “savage and murderous attack” on Saturday that has “shattered the peace of Poland”.

“What we know so far is that several innocent precious lives were viciously cut down on a Saturday afternoon in Kraków’s historic and iconic central square,” he writes on social media.

“America stands with Poland at this dark hour as Poland stands with her beloved citizens of Krakow. May the blessed memory of those lost today assuage the grief of those who mourn.”

Were you at the market at the time of the incident?

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:41 , James Reynolds

If you saw what happened and can share your experience, get in touch.

james.reynolds@independent.co.uk

Who is the suspect taken into hospital?

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:38 , James Reynolds

So far, police have not shared any identifying information about the suspect.

Authorities say the gunman was male and driving into the market on Saturday when they opened fire from a car.

Multiple angles of unverified footage shared widely on social media appeared to show a man wearing tactical gear, including a mask, gloves and fatigues, being apprehended by police after the attack.

Who are the casualties in Saturday's shooting?

Saturday 7 November 2026 15:31 , James Reynolds

Małopolska police says that at least five people were killed in the shooting Saturday.

They have not given an exact figure for the number injured, but put it above ‘a dozen’.

At least two of the injured were police officers, it is understood.

The suspect was also shot by police and taken to hospital with injuries.

It was unclear if the suspect was included in the count.