Polish police have formally opened a terrorism investigation into the mass shooting in Krakow that claimed nine lives, including that of a 32-year-old British man.
The 25-year-old suspect, a Polish citizen from Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, is alleged to have killed his father, mother and sister at the family home before travelling to the city’s historic Main Market Square, where he gunned down six more people yesterday afternoon.
Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the inquiry related to “the killing of six people using a firearm, and the attempted murder of many others, including police officers, this act constituting a terrorist offence”.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the atrocity as an act of “terrorism”, calling it “a truly exceptional tragedy”.
The attacker drove a black Subaru into the busy square at approximately 3pm local time before opening fire with a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, dressed in military-style green fatigues along with what appeared to be body armour and a helmet.
Both officers remained in a critical condition in hospital, with one brought out of a medically induced coma this morning while the other stayed in an induced coma.
Four women and two men were killed at the scene.
Among the 15 wounded were five foreign nationals, from Austria, Portugal, Germany, Britain and Russia, alongside 11 Polish citizens.
A tram passing through the area was also struck by bullets, shattering the driver’s window, though nobody on board was hurt.
Interior minister Marcin Kierwiński said the suspect was “fascinated by far-right ideologies” and that initial analysis pointed to “ultra-nationalist views”, though these findings still required verification.
The gunman held a firearms licence and was a member of the Świt Starachowice sports shooting club, which confirmed he had used its range twice this year.
The club stressed it offered only static sport shooting and that the suspect had never undergone dynamic, tactical or combat training at its facilities.
Investigators believe the attacker acted alone, with prosecutor Tomasz Waszczuk telling ABC News that evidence gathered so far did not indicate others were involved.
The suspect survived the night but remained in a critical condition under constant police guard, having undergone multiple operations.
Prosecutors are preparing six murder charges relating to the square killings, a figure that could rise to nine pending confirmation of his responsibility for the deaths of his family members.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting”, adding: “The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Poland.”
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The UK Government deeply mourns the British national and other victims who have died after the appalling attack in Krakow.”
Members of Dublin’s Civil Defence branch, visiting Krakow on a city break, administered CPR and stemmed severe bleeding from wounded victims.
Poland entered a two-day mourning period today, with flags lowered to half-mast.
Krakow’s mayor ordered the city’s own mourning to continue until November 11.
Introduction
Poland has been left shocked and mourning following a devastating shooting in the historic city of Kraków, where a gunman opened fire in a crowded public area, killing six people and injuring several others. The victims included a British citizen, while three additional people, believed to be members of the suspect’s family, were subsequently found dead at his home.
Polish prosecutors launched a terrorism investigation into the incident amid concerns that the attacker may have been influenced by far-right and extremist ideologies. The suspect was initially described by officials as having radical and ultranationalist views.
The tragedy has raised serious concerns about public safety, political extremism and the growing threat of ideologically motivated violence in Europe. It has also prompted international expressions of sympathy and renewed discussions about the importance of protecting communities against terrorism.
The deadly shooting in Kraków
The attack took place on Saturday, 7 November 2026, in Kraków, one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations.
The city’s historic Main Market Square, normally filled with visitors, restaurants, cafés and street performers, became the scene of a terrifying shooting.
According to reports, the 24-year-old suspect drove into the crowded square at high speed before opening fire on people in the surrounding area.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as people attempted to escape the gunfire. Tourists and local residents ran for safety while emergency services rushed to the scene.
The attacker was reportedly wearing military-style clothing and a bulletproof vest. He was armed with a firearm and continued his violent actions as police officers attempted to stop him.
Police eventually confronted the suspect in an exchange of gunfire. He was wounded and taken to hospital under police guard.
Six people were killed in the attack, including four women and two men. Among the victims were Polish citizens, a British man and an Austrian woman.
At least 15 other people were injured, including two police officers who risked their lives while confronting the gunman.
The incident was particularly shocking because mass shootings of this scale are relatively rare in Poland.
British citizen among the victims
One of the most distressing aspects of the tragedy was the death of a British national.
The victim was later named as James Campbell, a 32-year-old man from Prestwick in South Ayrshire, Scotland.
His death caused considerable sadness in his local community and attracted attention across the United Kingdom.
Campbell was among six people killed when the gunman opened fire in Kraków’s Main Market Square.
Another British national, 19-year-old Harry Marchant from York, was also injured during the attack. His family later confirmed that he was in a stable condition and receiving medical treatment in Poland.
The families of those affected faced an extremely difficult period as they waited for information and supported injured relatives.
Police Scotland confirmed that it was working with Polish authorities and providing specialist assistance to the family of the British victim.
The tragedy demonstrated how international incidents of violence can affect people from different countries, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
For Campbell’s family and friends, the incident represented an unimaginable personal loss. It also reminded British travellers of the importance of public safety when visiting destinations abroad.
Investigation into suspected far-right extremism
Following the attack, Polish prosecutors formally launched a terrorism investigation.
Authorities initially expressed concerns that the suspect may have been influenced by far-right ideology and ultranationalist beliefs.
Poland’s Interior Minister, Marcin Kierwiński, said early findings suggested that the attacker had been fascinated by extremist ideas and held radical political views.
The investigation focused on establishing whether the shooting was motivated by ideological hatred, whether the suspect acted alone and whether other individuals or organisations had influenced his behaviour.
The suspect was identified in media reports as Michał Oksiński, a 24-year-old Polish national.
Investigators also examined his background, online activities, personal relationships and access to firearms.
However, authorities later warned against reaching premature conclusions about his motives.
On 9 November, prosecutors explained that they had not established sufficient evidence to connect the attacker definitively with a particular political ideology.
They emphasised that the investigation would continue to examine all available evidence.
This distinction is important because extremist beliefs, political symbolism and criminal motivation must be carefully investigated rather than assumed.
Although the authorities initially raised concerns about far-right influence, the precise motivation behind the attack remained uncertain.
Three family members found dead
The investigation became even more disturbing when police discovered three additional bodies at the suspect’s family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, approximately 160 kilometres north-east of Kraków.
The deceased were identified as the suspect’s father, mother and younger sister.
Police suspected that they had also died from gunshot wounds.
These discoveries raised the possible death toll connected with the wider incident to nine people, although investigators needed to establish the circumstances and responsibility for these additional deaths.
The discovery also expanded the investigation beyond the shooting itself.
Authorities examined the suspect’s family background, the circumstances surrounding the deaths and whether the events at the family home were connected to the attack in Kraków.
Police also searched the property for weapons and other potential evidence.
The investigation highlighted the importance of examining every aspect of a suspected violent offender’s activities before drawing conclusions about responsibility and motive.
The suspect’s death and continuing investigation
The suspected gunman was seriously wounded during his confrontation with police officers.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment and undergoing surgery, he died in hospital on Monday, 9 November 2026.
His death meant that investigators could no longer question him directly about his actions or motivations.
Nevertheless, Polish prosecutors confirmed that the terrorism investigation would continue.
They intended to examine forensic evidence, digital records, witness statements and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Investigators also needed to determine whether the suspect had planned the attack in advance or acted spontaneously.
Although the suspect’s death created additional difficulties for the investigation, authorities continued their efforts to establish a complete account of what happened.
The case also raised questions about the availability of legally owned firearms in Poland.
Reports indicated that the suspect possessed a firearms licence, while his father also legally owned several weapons.
Police therefore examined how the firearms had been obtained and whether any regulations had been violated.
Police officers praised for their courage
Amid the tragedy, two police officers received considerable recognition for their actions during the attack.
The officers confronted the armed suspect despite the danger to their own lives.
Both suffered serious injuries during the incident and required hospital treatment.
One officer, identified as Jakub Kulik, was particularly seriously wounded.
Their intervention was widely praised by Polish officials, who said their actions had helped prevent further casualties.
Emergency workers, medical professionals and ordinary members of the public also played important roles in helping victims.
Doctors and other medical personnel provided urgent assistance to injured people, while witnesses helped others escape the dangerous area.
These actions demonstrated the importance of cooperation between emergency services and local communities during major incidents.
The bravery of the officers also highlighted the risks faced by police personnel who must respond quickly to unpredictable and potentially deadly situations.
Poland declares national mourning
The shooting deeply affected the people of Poland.
The government declared two days of national mourning, during which flags were lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect for the victims.
In Kraków, residents and visitors gathered near the Main Market Square to place flowers and candles in memory of those who had died.
The normally busy historic location became a place of reflection and mourning.
People expressed their sadness and solidarity with the victims’ families.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for those affected.
International leaders also sent messages of condolence.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was shocked and saddened by the violence and expressed solidarity with the people of Poland.
Other European leaders also offered their support, emphasising the importance of standing together against terrorism and violence.
The tragedy demonstrated how an attack in one European country can affect neighbouring nations and communities across the continent.
Growing concerns about extremism and public safety
The incident has renewed discussions about the dangers of political extremism and radicalisation.
Across Europe, governments and security organisations continue to face challenges associated with individuals who become influenced by violent ideologies.
Extremist content circulated online can contribute to the spread of hatred, conspiracy theories and hostility towards particular communities.
However, it is important to recognise that exposure to extremist material does not automatically lead to violence.
Investigators must carefully establish the relationship between an individual’s beliefs, behaviour and criminal actions.
The Kraków shooting also raises questions about public safety in busy tourist destinations.
Major city centres attract millions of visitors every year, making public security an important responsibility for local authorities.
Governments must balance the need to protect public spaces with maintaining the openness and accessibility that make historic cities attractive.
The tragedy also highlights the importance of effective emergency response systems, public awareness and cooperation between international law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the deadly shooting in Kraków was a devastating tragedy that claimed six lives in the city’s Main Market Square and brought the possible death toll connected with the incident to nine following the discovery of three members of the suspect’s family.
The victims included British citizen James Campbell, whose death deeply affected his family and community in Scotland.
Polish prosecutors launched a terrorism investigation after early statements suggested possible far-right influences. However, investigators later stressed that the suspect’s precise motives had not been established and that further evidence was required.
The incident also highlighted the courage of police officers, emergency workers and members of the public who helped prevent further suffering.
Ultimately, this tragedy serves as a reminder that violence and extremism can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and entire communities.
The priority must remain supporting the victims’ families, establishing the facts through a thorough investigation and strengthening efforts to protect public safety.
Above all, the people who lost their lives should be remembered not simply as victims of a shocking crime, but as individuals whose families, friends and communities will continue to feel their absence.