A gunman driving through Krakow’s Main Market Square killed five people and injured about a dozen others on 7 November 2026. Police officers, who were among the wounded, engaged the suspect during the attack, which began at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time.
Police shoot driver after vehicle attack in Krakow
The perpetrator was shot by police and transported to a hospital following the confrontation. Authorities reported that the individual drove a car into the busy tourist area and fired at random people from inside the vehicle. The shooting occurred in the heart of Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland, situated roughly 155 miles from the capital, Warsaw. Key landmarks near the site of the violence include Wawel Castle and the cathedral on Wawel Hill.
📣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
The perpetrator was shot by police officers and is currently being transported to a hospital,
Krakow police
Officers at the scene recovered the suspect, who was described by police as wearing military-style attire. A spokesperson for the Lesser Poland police region confirmed on X that officers were among the wounded. During the encounter, the suspect reportedly returned fire at police. The provincial police headquarters in Krakow corroborated that the shooter utilized a long, military-type firearm. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, landed in the square to treat victims. Additional activity was reported by emergency responders at the intersection of Stradomska and Dietla streets, where witnesses observed casualties on the sidewalk.
Polish leaders respond to Krakow shooting
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed he is receiving updates from the Minister of the Interior regarding the investigation into the background and circumstances of the attack.
We are just learning details of the horrific mass shooting in Kraków, a savage and murderous attack that’s 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…
I am being kept informed by the Minister of the Interior about the situation in Krakow following the tragic shooting,
Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland
President Karol Nawrocki expressed concern over the events, noting that the head of the National Security Bureau was dispatched to the city. My thoughts are with the victims, those injured and their families,
Nawrocki wrote on social media.
United States Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose also issued a statement regarding the incident. We are just learning details of the horrific mass shooting in Krakow, a savage and murderous attack that’s shattered the peace of Poland,
Rose stated. America stands with Poland at this dark hour as Poland stands with her beloved citizens of Krakow.
Investigation into the attack
While the motive remains under investigation, officials have not released information regarding the identity of the suspect. The city office urged residents and tourists to avoid the area while emergency operations were ongoing near St. Mary’s Basilica.
The incident follows a period of heightened security in Poland. The country has been on alert since October 2026, following a series of stabbings that Prime Minister Tusk previously characterized as part of a cult of violence.
Tam trwał protest niedaleko, setki osób. Próby wywołania strachu. Pierwszy taki zamach w Polsce 😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/NkklHSsf9f
While some reports circulating on social media and through various news outlets initially suggested conflicting casualty counts—with some sources indicating two fatalities and ten injuries—police and municipal officials have maintained that the situation remains a developing story as they clarify the final list of those affected.
Earlier coverage: 2 Suspects Arrested Following Shooting in Bratislava
Nagranie z zatrzymania sprawcy strzelaniny w Krakowie! pic.twitter.com/bs7CRONkNu
More on Main Market Square
BREAKING: A gunman in a car drove onto Kraków’s Main Market Square and opened fire on people, killing five and wounding a dozen or more. Police first said the shooter was detained, but a later update said he was shot by police and taken to hospital, and an officer was among the… pic.twitter.com/kTDmswa7w2
🚨🇵🇱 BREAKING: RECAP A GUNMAN drove into Kraków's historic Main Market Square and opened FIRE on people in the heart of the Polish city. Polish media now report FIVE people dead and more than a dozen injured. The attacker was reportedly shot by police and taken to hospital. An… https://t.co/XS6GFoKzeX
🚨🇵🇱 Gunfire erupted in the heart of Kraków, Poland, with shots reportedly fired from a MOVING CAR near the city's famous Main Market Square. Footage circulating online appears to capture the shooting. Earlier reports indicate multiple casualties, but the circumstances and… https://t.co/VSITzEEhNe
🚨🇵🇱 BREAKING: First images revealing part of the Kraków gunman's FACE have emerged. The suspect is accused of opening fire in the city's historic Main Market Square, killing FIVE people and wounding more than a dozen. Police shot and wounded the attacker during the… https://t.co/2xqNKhxcED pic.twitter.com/s6EW6xaUnN
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