At least 5 dead and a dozen injured leaves an armed attack in the Polish city of Krakow

At least five people have died and a dozen more have been injured in a shooting that occurred this Sunday in the Polish city of Krakow, according to police.

The events occurred at 3 p.m. local time, when a man aboard a vehicle began shooting “randomly” at people who were in the Market Square, one of the main attractions of this popular tourist destination in the Central European country.

According to first reports, the alleged attacker, who “was wearing military-style clothing,” was shot dead by agents deployed to the scene to respond to the emergency after he resisted arrest.

“During the arrest, the officers used their weapons and the man returned fire; as a result, two police officers were among those injured,” said the statement released by the police.

One of the uniformed men is in critical condition after being shot three times, reported Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said he was “deeply concerned by the news about the tragic events” and assured that his thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families.

“I remain in contact with the relevant authorities and await a thorough explanation of the circumstances surrounding these tragic events,” Nawrocki said in a post on X.

“The head of the National Security Office is heading to Krakow. The security of Poles is an absolute priority!” added the president.

For his part, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that an investigation has been launched to clarify the events.

The United States ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, described the event as a “savage and murderous attack” and offered the full support of his government.

“The US stands in solidarity with Poland in these dark times, just as Poland stands in solidarity with the citizens of Krakow. May the blessed memory of those who have died today ease the pain of those who mourn them,” he wrote in X.

A police officer talks to a woman, while three others sit on the edge of a store window. — The shooting occurred in the heart of the city, which is considered one of the tourist centers of the country. — Sonia BAKARIC / AFP via Getty Images

“I ran when I heard the shots”

A tourist who was in the area at the time of the attack reported that she took refuge in a restaurant.

“When I heard the shots, I ran to a restaurant and stayed there until everything was quiet,” the witness identified as Talli told Reuters.

“I don’t know what to do now,” he added, explaining that he doesn’t know the safest way to get to his hotel.

Emergency services have asked the population to avoid the Market Square, which remains cordoned off.

The city of Krakow is one of the most important tourist destinations in Poland and is closely linked to Pope John Paul II, who was archbishop of the city before being elected pontiff.

A police helicopter in the center of Krakow's Market Square, as a police officer passes by. — Dozens of agents have been sent to the area of the events to begin investigations. — Omar Marques/Getty Images

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