In Poland, during the investigation into the mass shooting in the centre of Kraków, the police found three more bodies in the suspect’s home. They were two women and a man, who were believed to be his closest relatives. This was announced by the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. The day before, the attacker opened fire on passers-by in the city’s main square, killing six people. A further 16 people were injured, including the gunman himself.
- Three bodies were found in the home of the suspect in the attack on Kraków.
- The victims are believed to be the attacker’s parents and sister, according to Polish media reports.
- Six people were killed in a shooting in the centre of Kraków.
- The suspect had a licence for two firearms; his father had a licence for eleven.
- Poland has declared a period of national mourning on 8 and 9 November.
The bodies of three people were found at the suspect’s home
The bodies were found in the town of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, where the attacker was from. Police officers and members of the anti-terrorist unit searched the house after shooting in Kraków. Following reports that a large quantity of weapons might be stored there, the police initially inspected the premises using a drone.
According to Donald Tusk, the bodies of two women and a man were found inside. Preliminary information suggests that the victims may be members of the shooter’s immediate family.
The Polish news site Onet, citing its own sources, reported that the individuals in question are the suspect’s parents and sister. There is currently no official confirmation of their identities. Investigators have also not established when or under what circumstances these people died.
Tusk called for people to refrain from speculating about the motives behind the crime until the investigations have been completed.
The shooter had a gun licence, whilst his father possessed a whole arsenal
According to Onet, the suspect is a 24-year-old Polish national Michal O. He held an official licence for two firearms. During the attack, the man was travelling in a car registered in the name of his 52-year-old father.
The suspect’s father also held a firearms licence. According to journalists, he had 11 firearms in his possession. Neither man had previously been on the police record as an offender.
During the shooting, the attacker was wearing a balaclava, tactical clothing and a bulletproof vest. According to the police, he used an AR-15-type rifle. Law enforcement officers found additional weapons, ammunition and military equipment in his car.
Some Polish media outlets initially reported that the suspect may have served in the army. However, Poland’s Defence Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, denied these reports, stating that the man had never served in the Polish armed forces.
Six dead and 16 injured: what is known about the attack in Kraków
A mass shooting took place on 7 November at around 3.00 pm on Rynek Square in the centre of Kraków. An armed man drove his car into a pedestrian area and started shooting at random passers-by.
According to the Polish police, the attacker moved across the square, opening fire in various locations. Just three minutes after the first report of gunfire, the police exchanged fire with him. The man was wounded and arrested.
Four women and two men were killed in the attack. Among the identified victims are three Polish nationals and one British national. The identities of the other two victims are still being established.
According to official figures from the Polish government, 16 people were injured, including two police officers and the attacker himself. The suspect has been hospitalised and is under guard.
Poland has declared two days of mourning
The Minister of the Interior, Marcin Kerwinski, stated that, according to preliminary findings from the investigation, the attacker may have been influenced by far-right ideology. However, the motives behind the crime are still being investigated, and the police have not yet released any final conclusions.
The Polish Internal Security Agency and military counter-intelligence have joined the investigation. Investigators are examining the origin of the weapons, the attacker’s possible connections and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the people found in his home.
The President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, has declared a period of national mourning on 8 and 9 November. The Polish authorities have given assurances that the families of those killed and injured will receive the necessary assistance.
