Kraków attack triggers wave of disinformation
A deadly vehicle-ramming attack in Kraków has sparked a massive disinformation campaign, with Polish authorities reporting over 2,000 automated social media accounts spreading false narratives.
Among the injured, in addition to Poles, are citizens of Austria, Germany, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Krzysztof Klęczar, the Voivode of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, confirmed that some of the wounded remain in stable condition, while the police officer who directly engaged the perpetrator is in serious condition. The attacker, who was apprehended by two officers, died on Monday night.
Niepoparte faktami narracje zyskały ogromne zasięgi
Despite being unfounded, the Ministry for Digital Affairs estimated this narrative reached up to 200 milionů zobrazení within 24 hours. Other claims suggested the perpetrator was a soldier, a figure already rejected by Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who confirmed the attacker had no military ties.
Disinformation also included the false claim that the attack was staged to justify canceling the November 11 Independence March, a narrative that garnered approximately 5.6 milionů zobrazení. Another viral claim, which reached many people, suggested police responded late because they were focused on protests in Warsaw. This theory was promoted by Tomasz Sakiewicz, editor-in-chief of the conservative Republika outlet.
Mezi šesti oběťmi po sobotní střelbě v Krakově je jeden Brit, čtyři Poláci a žena, která nebyla polskou občankou, uvedl dle agentury PAP tamní vojvoda, aniž by uvedl její národnost. Dřívější zprávy hovořily o jednom Britovi a pěti Polácích. https://t.co/C4TIN0fzHY
AI-generated content
Disinformation actors utilized artificial intelligence to manipulate evidence, including images of the perpetrator. The Polish Press Agency (PAP) reported that several images circulating online were modified using Google’s Synth ID tool.
“We know very well what times we live in, we know how many people and forces are willing to disinform, spread lies, make up wild stories and accuse someone without any basis,” Prime Minister Donald Tusk said shortly after the attack, urging citizens to rely exclusively on official information from the authorities.
Minister Kierwiński i prokurator reagują na śledztwo
Marcin Kierwiński faced intense criticism after initially suggesting the attacker was motivated by far-right ideology. Opposition leaders, including Jarosław Kaczyński, criticized these early remarks as premature. State prosecutor Przemysław Nowak emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and cautioned against jumping to conclusions regarding motives.
“It is too early to categorically speak about motives and inspiration, or any ideology,” Nowak stated on Monday, adding that initial assessments suggest the shooting occurred Saturday morning or late Friday. Government spokesperson Adam Szłapka also urged caution, stating, “It would be better to refrain from comments” until the investigation concludes. Sejm Deputy Marshal Szymon Hołownia acknowledged the intense pressure officials faced that Saturday.
Commonly asked questions
Was the perpetrator a soldier? No. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that the attacker never served in the Polish armed forces and had no connection to the military.
1/2 S polskými kolegy jsme v rámci mezinárodní policejní spolupráce v úzkém kontaktu a základní informace tak máme k dispozici. Ačkoliv by střelba v Krakově s Českou republikou neměla mít přímou souvislost, přijímáme preventivní bezpečnostní opatření.
Did the police delay their response? The incident is being compared to past tragedies, such as the 2011 mass murder by Anders Breivik in Norway.
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