A police operation is underway in Krakow’s Main Market Square, where shots were fired on Saturday afternoon.
Around 3:00 p.m., a man began firing at random people from a vehicle driven into the square. As Polish Radio has learned, the assailant - a Polish national - has been apprehended by the police, sustaining a gunshot in the process. There are reports of casualties, also among police officers, including fatalities and injuries.
The assailant was dressed in military-style clothing and was carrying a long-barreled, military-type weapon, reported Superintendent Katarzyna Cisło, spokesperson for the Provincial Police Headquarters in Kraków. She noted that a large quantity of other weapons and ammunition was discovered in his vehicle.
Senior Aspirant Maciej Podymkiewicz, press officer for the State Fire Service in Krakow, stated on Polish Radio 24 that five people have died and over a dozen have been injured. The victims are receiving medical assistance and are being transported to hospitals.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that he is being kept updated on the situation in Krakow by Minister of the Interior Marcin Kierwiński.
"A massive tragedy in Krakow’s Main Market Square. I share the grief of the families and loved ones of the victims of this unimaginable tragedy" - Poland's Minister of Justice, Waldemar Żurek, wrote on X.
"The perpetrator has been wounded and taken into custody. Prosecutors, the police, and all relevant services are currently on-site, securing evidence and investigating the circumstances of the attack. The state is taking action. We urge everyone to remain calm and not to hinder the work of the emergency services. We will ensure that the perpetrator of this crime is held strictly accountable"
- Waldemar Żurek added.
This article is being updated. More information to follow.
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Source: PAP, IAR