Police Officer Stops Gunman After Fatal Shooting in Krakow's Main Square

A gunman opened fire in Krakow's busy Main Square on Saturday afternoon, killing six people and wounding at least 15 others before police shot and detained him, according to statements from Polish police. The attacker, described as a 24-year-old Polish citizen whose name has not been released, reportedly fired randomly from a dark vehicle as it moved through the historic square.

Video footage circulated from the scene showed a police officer approaching the suspect after he was brought to the ground and firing several shots from close range, with sirens audible in the background. The officer then knelt beside the wounded man and appeared to remove weapons from him. Authorities said the suspect was taken into custody following the exchange and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Poland's police force praised the officer's response in a post on X, stating that officers confronted the armed attacker without hesitation despite being in mortal danger. "This is what police service is all about. Courage, responsibility and a willingness to act even when your own life is at stake," the statement said.

Other footage shared on social media, which has not been independently verified, showed large crowds fleeing as gunshots rang out across the square. One video showed two people lying on the blood-stained paving stones as bystanders attempted to resuscitate them, while a third person lay motionless nearby.

Krakow's Main Square is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe and a major destination for tourists and locals, typically crowded on weekend afternoons. The incident has drawn widespread attention, and Polish authorities have not yet commented on a possible motive. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released further details about the victims or the suspect's background.