Thousands gathered in central Krakow on Monday evening for a silent procession commemorating the victims of a weekend shooting spree that marked the deadliest attack in Poland’s modern history.
The march was led by President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, bitter political adversaries who set aside their differences for a rare public display of national unity.
As the crowd reached the historic Main Market Square, a bugler sounded a solemn call from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica. Participants laid flowers and lit candles at makeshift memorials marking the exact cobblestones where lives were lost.
The violence has deeply shaken a nation that prides itself on public safety, leaving citizens grappling for answers.
Authorities identified the assailant as 24-year-old Michal Oksinski. He succumbed to injuries sustained during a shootout with police early Monday, never regaining consciousness.
Initial statements from the Interior Minister linked the gunman to far-right extremist ideology. However, the National Prosecutor’s Office has since cautioned that it is premature to confirm any ideological motivation.
“The minister appeared to be scoring domestic political points, which is irresponsible,” said Dr. Pawel Musialek of Jagiellonian University, highlighting the country’s intensely polarized political climate. “So far, there is no clear evidence he was strongly ideological; this may resemble something originating from the darknet more than a political manifesto.”
Investigators have not uncovered a manifesto or farewell letter. A neighbor described Oksinski to Polish outlet Onet as a “bit of a loner,” though few who knew him well have come forward publicly.
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