Krakow Mass Shooting Suspect Dies as Poland Launches Terrorism Investigation

A 24-year-old gunman who killed six people and wounded 15 others during a mass shooting in Krakow's historic main square has died in hospital, Polish authorities announced. The suspect, identified as Michal O from the south-eastern town of Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, was shot and apprehended by police officers shortly after opening fire from his vehicle on Saturday. Prosecutors confirmed on Sunday that the attack is being officially investigated as an act constituting a terrorist offence.

Casualties and Ongoing Hospitalisations

The victims killed in the square included four women and two men. Malopolska regional governor Krzysztof Jan Klęczar reported that three of the women and one of the men were Polish nationals, while the remaining victims included a man from the United Kingdom and a woman from Austria. Additionally, authorities discovered the bodies of the suspect's father, mother, and sister at their family home on Saturday, with officials stating they were likely killed by the shooter prior to the attack in Krakow.

Out of the 15 people injured in the public shooting, 14 remain hospitalised in stable condition. A police officer who was wounded while helping to apprehend the gunman remains in serious condition, according to Governor Klęczar. Social media footage captured an officer firing repeatedly at the suspect on the street before the officer collapsed to the ground.

Political Dispute and Probe into Motives

The shooting has triggered intense political fallout regarding the perpetrator's motives. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński initially stated that the suspect held very radical and ultra-nationalistic views, while government statements suggested potential far-right ideological inspiration. However, these assertions drew sharp criticism from the nationalist opposition Law & Justice party, whose leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, called the claims a blatant lie.

Government officials subsequently dialed back their early statements on Monday. Government spokesperson Adam Szlapka advised restraint until authorities assemble full information. An interior ministry spokesperson noted that numerous emblems found on the gunman's clothing are undergoing examination. Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek stated that despite the perpetrator's death, investigators are actively working to determine whether he acted independently or was influenced by an organization.

Gun Ownership Laws Under Scrutiny

In response to the killings, Justice Minister Zurek announced that the Polish government will review regulations and requirements for gun permits. Prosecutors disclosed that both the shooter and his father held legal firearm permits, and multiple weapons were retrieved from both the family home and the vehicle used in the attack. Poland currently has roughly 411,000 gun permit holders in a country of 37 million people.

Following police operations, Krakow's main square reopened on Sunday evening, where members of the public gathered to lay flowers and candles to honor the victims.