Polish mourning period declared after deadly Krakow shooting, prompting terrorism probe

Authorities have launched a terrorism investigation into the deadly attack, suspect reportedly motivated by far‑right ideology.

Published On 8 Nov 20268 Nov 2026

Poland has declared a two‑day national mourning following an armed assault that left six people dead in central Krakow, with the national prosecutor’s office opening a terrorism investigation.

The 24‑year‑old Polish gunman opened fire on Saturday in the heart of Krakow’s historic centre. Among the dead is a British national, and 15 others were wounded, including citizens from Austria, Germany, Portugal and Russia, according to the PAP news agency.

Three additional bodies were later recovered at the suspect’s residence in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, roughly 150 km northeast of Krakow. Police identified the victims as his parents and sister.

The attacker was also shot by police, is in critical condition, and remains hospitalized.

Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office announced on Sunday that it “has launched an investigation today into yesterday’s attack in Krakow”, describing the killings as a terrorist offence involving the use of a firearm and the attempted murder of multiple individuals, including officers.

“It is highly likely that the killings in both Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski and Krakow were carried out by the same perpetrator,” said Daniel Prokopowicz, a spokesperson for the office, adding that investigations are ongoing.

The suspect, identified as Michał O., held a valid firearms licence and has no prior criminal record, according to media reports.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the attacker was influenced by far‑right and ultranationalist ideologies and views.

On Sunday, Krakow’s main market square and surrounding streets were sealed off, with police allowing only essential workers to enter. Many nearby cafés remained closed, city hall flags were at half‑mast, and mourners placed candles at several locations.

The traditional hourly trumpet call from St. Mary’s Church on the square was suspended for 12 hours in commemoration, the first such suspension since 1939, the Polish Press Agency reported.

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