On November 7, 2026, around 3:00 PM, a shooting occurred in Krakow's Main Market Square, resulting in six deaths and 15 injuries. The shooter was identified as 25-year-old Polish citizen Michal O., who arrived at the scene in his father's car.
Details of the Attack
Michal O. drove onto the Main Market Square in a black Subaru belonging to his father, who legally owns 11 firearms. The shooter himself had a permit for two firearms. According to eyewitnesses, he was dressed in military uniform and used a long-barreled weapon, likely a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle.
During the attack, Michal O. fired at random passersby, causing panic among the crowd. After being apprehended by police, who shot him, he was taken to the hospital, where his condition is currently stable. In his vehicle, authorities found:
- additional firearms
- ammunition
- a military backpack
- pouches
- a bayonet
Motives Behind the Attack
According to Poland's Minister of Internal Affairs Kerwinski, the attacker was likely inspired by far-right ideologies. Law enforcement officials noted that he had expressed radical views prior to the attack. However, Poland's Minister of Defense Kosiniak-Kamysz denied any connection between Michal O. and military structures, emphasizing that he was not a soldier in the Polish army.
This incident has sparked widespread reactions in society and among politicians, who are calling for increased security measures and efforts to combat the radicalization of youth.