Kraków Shooting: Polish Prosecutors Open Terrorism Investigation 2026

Polish prosecutors have opened a terrorism investigation into the Kraków shooting that left six people dead, including a British citizen, and injured 17 others after a 24-year-old gunman opened fire in the city's busy market square on Saturday afternoon.

The attack, which authorities say was probably inspired by far-right ideologies, has shocked a nation that has long been considered safer than many of its western European neighbours. As two days of national mourning began, the national prosecutor's office announced on social media that it had launched an investigation into "the killing of six people … using a firearm, and the attempted murder of many others, including police officers, this act constituting a terrorist offence."

What Happened in Kraków's Market Square?

According to police, the suspect drove into the city's main square—the heart of the historic old town, usually packed with tourists—at top speed at about 3pm on Saturday. Wearing military-style fatigues and a bulletproof vest, he began shooting at random as he took what Kraków police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło described as a "wild ride" around the square.

The gunman, a Polish national, was arrested at the scene. Police later confirmed that three people found dead at his home after the attack were his father, 53, his mother, 52, and his sister, 21.

Why the Terrorism Investigation Matters

The decision to classify the attack as a terrorist offence is significant. It allows prosecutors to pursue more serious charges and reflects the authorities' assessment that the shooting was ideologically motivated. The national prosecutor's office said the investigation covers the killing of six people and the attempted murder of many others, including police officers.

Poland has rarely experienced mass shootings, and the attack has deepened concerns about extremism. It follows several school stabbings in October that left one woman dead and which officials said were linked to extremist content online.

Who Are the Victims and What Is the Human Toll?

Six people were killed, including a British citizen, and 17 others were injured. The victims have not all been publicly identified, but the British Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting the family of the British victim.

The gunman's family members—his father, mother, and sister—were found dead at his home. It is not yet clear whether they were killed before or after the market square attack.

What Are the Key Takeaways?

• Terrorism investigation: Polish prosecutors have formally opened a terrorism investigation into the Kraków shooting.
• Far-right inspiration: Authorities believe the attack was probably inspired by far-right ideologies.
• Victims: Six people killed, including a Briton, and 17 injured; the gunman's parents and sister were found dead at his home.
• National mourning: Poland has begun two days of national mourning.
• Context: The attack follows recent school stabbings linked to extremist content online.

How Does This Compare to Other Security Incidents in Europe?

Poland has traditionally had a lower incidence of terrorism and mass shootings compared to countries like France, Germany, or the UK. This attack marks a rare and deadly breach of that relative safety.

While the Kraków attack is far less deadly than these incidents, its impact on Poland's sense of security is profound.

What to Watch Next

Investigators will now focus on the gunman's online activity and any connections to far-right networks. The interior minister has called for a review of security measures at public events. Poland's government is also under pressure to address the spread of extremist content online, following the October stabbings.

The international dimension—with a British victim—means the UK will likely assist in the investigation. The suspect faces life imprisonment if convicted of terrorism charges. The background to this story is set out in Business: latest articles.