Krakow Gunman Dies
The alleged perpetrator of a deadly weekend shooting spree in Krakow died in the hospital Monday morning, two days after he was critically wounded in a shootout with police, according to rte.ie.
The 24-year-old Polish man allegedly opened fire Saturday afternoon in central Krakow’s busy Main Market Square, killing six people and wounding about 15 others, rte.ie reported. Police engaged the gunman in a gunfight and shot him within three minutes of the attack beginning, according to BBC coverage.
[Polish prosecutors open terrorism investigation into Kraków shooting] “Six people killed in attack probably inspired by far right, according to officials, as police say suspect’s parents and sister found dead at his home“https://t.co/JyL11Bzif5””
Four women and two men died in the square. Four victims are Polish, while a British national and an Austrian woman were also killed, the BBC reported. Five foreign nationals from Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia were among the 16 people hospitalized, according to The Guardian.
Investigation Into Terrorism
Prosecutors opened an investigation into the attack as an act of “terrorism,” marking the deadliest shooting in Poland since the end of communism in 1989, rte.ie reported. Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the mass shooting an act of terrorism during a visit to the city.
A shocking crime in Kraków. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, and personally, I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. There can be no justification for this attack, and we trust the perpetrator will face justice. We wish strength and a…
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński stated that the suspect held very radical and ultra-nationalistic views, according to The Guardian. The 24-year-old wore military-style fatigues, a bulletproof vest, and carried a military-style rifle while driving a black Subaru through the historic market square, The Independent reported.
Police searched the suspect’s home about 125 miles north of Krakow and found the bodies of three family members: his 53-year-old father, 52-year-old mother, and 21-year-old sister, according to The Independent. Polish media reported that the father owned 11 registered firearms and that the suspect likely obtained his weapons from the family home.
Nationalist protests cancel while culture minister files broadcasting complaint
Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska filed an official complaint with the National Broadcasting Council over right-wing broadcaster Telewizja Republika’s coverage of the shooting, TVP World reported. The minister stated that unverified information and accusations against police broadcast immediately after the arrest constituted political propaganda.
Why police classified the Krakow shooting as terrorism
Why did police investigate the Krakow shooting as terrorism?
Prosecutors classified the attack as a terrorist offense because the 24-year-old gunman opened fire at random in a crowded public square using military-style equipment, according to The Guardian.
The tragic shooting in Kraków, which has claimed lives and left several people injured, is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I wish all those injured a speedy recovery. 😞@donaldtusk, Latvia stands in…
What weapons were recovered by authorities?
Police discovered an AR-15 rifle, a military-style backpack, magazines, and a bayonet, with reports indicating the firearms were registered to the suspect’s father, according to The Independent.
Which foreign nationals were affected by the violence?
Citizens from Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal, and Russia were among those injured during the shooting spree, according to interior ministry data cited by The Guardian.
My thoughts are with the victims‘ loved ones of the terrible #Krakow-attack. May the victims be never forgotten. Support for the authorities to investigate & to bring justice. 🖤🇵🇱 @donaldtusk @sikorskiradek @AndrzejHalicki @Adamowicz_Magda @simon_slowik https://t.co/k0qcmNdXGt
Earlier coverage: Krakow Shooting Death Toll Rises to 6 People
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