Police confirmed on Monday, November 9, that the 24 year old gunman responsible for a shooting in Poland’s historic city of Krakow had died in hospital. Six people were killed and 15 others wounded.
The far right, ultra nationalist attacker opened fire on Saturday, November 7, in Krakow’s popular Main Square. The suspect was dressed in military style clothing and wore a bulletproof vest.
After remaining in critical condition and undergoing several operations, the suspect died at about 4:30 a.m. on Monday.
Authorities are still working to establish what motivated the attack.
Gunman attacks Krakow’s historic Main Square
The shooting happened in the Old Town’s Main Square, one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations.
The attacker drove into the square in military style clothing before firing at people.
Six people died: four women and two men. Four victims were Polish, one was a British man, and one was an Austrian woman.
Another 15 people were injured, including five foreign nationals from the UK, Portugal, Russia, Germany and Austria.
The violence caused panic in the crowded public space.
Police officers confront the attacker
Two police officers faced the gunman and exchanged fire with them, bringing the attack to an end.
Both officers suffered serious injuries. Polish officials praised their actions, saying they may have prevented further deaths.
Police reached the scene within minutes of receiving the first emergency call. They pursued the attacker and continued to confront them, even after coming under fire.
Two surgeons who were nearby gave the officers first aid, helping to save their lives.
Krakow’s mayor announced that the officers would receive honorary citizenship of the city.
Police examine suspect’s far-right beliefs
Polish officials said the attacker held extreme nationalist and radical views.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński had earlier described the suspect as having “very radical and ultra nationalist views”.
Investigators are examining whether extremist beliefs played a part in the shooting and whether anyone influenced or assisted the attacker.
Prosecutors have opened a case into the murders and attempted murders, and are considering the attack as a possible act of terrorism.
Authorities have taken the suspect’s devices for examination. They are also looking into symbols and patches found on the suspect’s clothing and at their home.
Investigators discovered a Gadsden flag in the suspect’s room, depicting a coiled snake. The symbol has associations with various political movements, and authorities are investigating its significance.
Three family members found dead
Police found the bodies of the suspect’s mother, father and sister at their home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, about 150 kilometres northeast of Krakow.
Authorities suspect the same attacker may have killed them before travelling to Krakow.
Investigators are working to determine how the family members died.
Police recovered 11 weapons in total. Four were found on the suspect or in their car, including two AR-15 semi-automatic rifles. The remaining seven were discovered at the family home.
The attacker and their father both held gun permits. The suspect had also received training at a local shooting club.
Loss of talented artists in the community
The attack has deeply affected Krakow’s arts community.
Among those killed was 53 year old painter Izabela Woźna, a mother of four who had recently opened an exhibition of her work in the city.
The suspect’s 21 year old sister, Magdalena Oksińska, was also among the victims. She studied art and focused on painting, photography, poetry and writing.
Her death has saddened students, artists and others in the local creative community.
Many Krakow residents have visited the Main Square to leave flowers and candles in memory of those killed.
Rising concern about extremist violence in Poland
The shooting has raised serious concerns about growing extremist violence and lone wolf attacks.
Mass shootings are rare in Poland, and the attack shocked many people.
It has also drawn attention to several other recent violent incidents in the country, many involving schools and young people.
Authorities are investigating whether online extremist material, radical beliefs or other factors influenced the latest attack.
It remains unclear whether the suspect belonged to an extremist group or received help from anyone.
Investigation continues
Polish prosecutors have confirmed that the investigation will proceed despite the suspect’s death.
Authorities are examining devices, weapons and other evidence, as well as possible connections to other people.
The deaths of the suspect’s family members are also under investigation.
The two injured police officers remain under medical observation.
Krakow is in shock after the shooting claimed six lives. Authorities continue to search for the motive behind one of the deadliest attacks in recent times.