Kraków Gunman Dies in Hospital After Killing Six

The 24-year-old man who killed six people and wounded at least 15 in a shooting in central Kraków has died in hospital, Polish police announced, as investigators continue to examine his motives and the discovery of three bodies at his home.

“We inform you that the perpetrator of these tragic events passed away in the hospital early this morning,” the regional police said in a social media post, according to TVP World.

The attacker underwent surgery after being shot by law enforcement during the police operation, but remained in critical condition. The shooting took place on November 7 near Sławkowska Street and the Main Market Square.

According to Polish authorities, the man drove into the city center shortly after 3 p.m. local time and opened fire on passersby at random. He shot from his moving vehicle, hitting people at several locations. Police arrived approximately three minutes after receiving the initial alert.

The gunman wore military-style clothing and used a long-barreled firearm, believed to have been a semi-automatic rifle similar to an AR-15. Officers found additional weapons and ammunition in his vehicle. During the police operation, they shot the attacker and took him into custody.

The six people killed were four women and two men, including a British national. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński reported that 16 people had been injured. Two police officers were among the wounded, with one in very critical condition after being shot three times and undergoing surgery. The second officer was also shot.

The injured included nationals of Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia and the United Kingdom. The Bulgarian Embassy in Warsaw said there were no reports of Bulgarian citizens being among those harmed.

Investigators found three more bodies at the suspect's home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski several hours after the shooting. The victims were two women and one man, believed to be the attacker's close relatives. Tusk said the bodies had initially been spotted during drone surveillance.

Police, security services and the prosecutor's office are investigating the circumstances of the three deaths and whether they were connected to the Kraków shooting.

Authorities identified the gunman as a 24-year-old Polish citizen with links to the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship. Polish media reported that he held a firearms license.

Kierwiński said investigators had found indications that the attacker was influenced by ultra-nationalist and far-right ideologies. They are examining his beliefs, preparations for the shooting and possible contacts. Authorities have not officially confirmed whether anyone else was involved.

Following the attack, Tusk convened an emergency meeting in Kraków with law enforcement representatives and local authorities. He called for solidarity with the victims' families and urged people to act responsibly when sharing information.

Poland declared national mourning for November 8 and 9, while Kraków's local mourning period is to continue until November 11. The municipality has also established a crisis management team as the investigation proceeds.