Five killed in shooting in the centre of Kraków's Old Town

A shooting took place on 7 November on the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) in the historic centre of Kraków, a city in southern Poland. According to police, five people were killed. City authorities say about 10 people were injured. The information has also been confirmed on the city's official website.

How the attack unfolded

Shortly after 3 p.m., shots were fired at passers-by from a vehicle. The newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza reports that the shots came from a car driving through the square. Eyewitnesses say people sought shelter in nearby establishments. Video shared on social media shows gunfire and panic in the streets, and appears to show police chasing a car that may be linked to the attacker. The authenticity of this footage has not been confirmed here.

Arrest and the situation at the scene

Police said the suspect has been detained. He sustained gunshot wounds during the arrest and is being taken to hospital. Police and rescue services are working at the scene, and a medical helicopter has landed.

Residents and tourists are urged to avoid the area, while those nearby are asked to seek shelter in a safe place. The State Fire Service called on city residents to stay at home until police confirm that the perpetrator or perpetrators have been detained.

Reaction from authorities

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said police have launched an investigation and that he is receiving the latest information from the Ministry of the Interior. Social media posts say the motive for the attack is unknown; no motive has been officially named in the source. The exact number of injured and the circumstances may be clarified.