At least five people have been killed and more than a dozen injured after a shooting in central Kraków, according to Polish police and local authorities. The incident took place near the city’s Main Square on 7 November 2026, with emergency services deployed across several locations.
Police said the suspected gunman was shot by officers and taken to hospital. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the attack, including reports that shots were fired from a passing car.
What happened in Kraków?
The shooting occurred in or near Kraków’s historic Main Square, close to St Mary’s Basilica, one of the city centre’s most prominent landmarks. The municipal government said rescue services were operating in the square while police conducted operations in several parts of the city.
Polish emergency services received a report of gunfire in the city centre. Numerous police vehicles and ambulances were sent to the area, and an air ambulance helicopter was also dispatched.
A spokesperson for the local fire service told Polish broadcaster Polsat News that the perpetrator fired from a moving vehicle. That account remains part of the authorities’ developing investigation.
- At least five people were reported killed.
- More than a dozen people were injured.
- The suspected shooter was shot by police and transported to hospital.
- Emergency operations continued around the Main Square and Dietla Street.
- Police were examining the background and circumstances of the attack.
Police investigation remains ongoing
Polish police confirmed that officers responded to reports of shots being fired in the city centre. They said emergency services remained at the scene and that the investigation was continuing.
At this stage, authorities have not publicly established a motive or confirmed whether anyone else was involved. The police response included activity at more than one location, although officials have not provided a full account of the events.
The number of casualties may change as hospitals and emergency services continue assessing those affected. Further details, including the identities of the victims and the condition of the injured, had not been fully released in the initial reports.
Polish leaders receive regular updates
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was receiving regular information from the interior minister about the situation in Kraków. He said police were examining the background and all circumstances surrounding the shooting.
President Karol Nawrocki expressed concern over the reports and offered his thoughts to the victims, injured people and their families. He also said the head of Poland’s National Security Bureau was travelling to Kraków.
The statements indicate that the incident was being monitored at the national level while local police and emergency services managed the immediate response.
What happens next?
Investigators are expected to establish the sequence of events, identify the victims, interview witnesses and determine the motive behind the shooting. Police may also examine footage from the city centre and evidence recovered from the scene.
Residents and visitors should follow instructions from Polish authorities while emergency operations continue. Access to affected streets may be restricted as investigators secure locations and gather evidence.
Because this is a developing incident, casualty figures and other details may be revised as officials release verified information. Readers should rely on updates from Polish police, emergency services and government authorities rather than unconfirmed reports circulating online.
Conclusion
The Kraków shooting has resulted in at least five deaths and more than a dozen injuries, with the suspected gunman in hospital after being shot by police. The investigation is still active, and authorities have yet to confirm the motive or provide a complete account of what happened. Further official updates will clarify the circumstances and the final impact of the attack.