A gunman opened fire from a moving vehicle in Kraków's Main Market Square on 7 November 2026, killing five people and injuring more than a dozen others in what authorities are treating as a major incident. According to The Guardian, the perpetrator fired at random pedestrians as the car drove through the city's central square, a major tourist destination. Police officers confronted the gunman and opened fire, wounding him; he was subsequently transported to hospital for treatment.
Reports of the incident began arriving at around 3 pm local time (2 pm GMT) when officers received initial calls about a vehicle from which shots were being discharged into crowds. Early preliminary tolls were lower than the final confirmed figures: US News, citing TVN24 and the fire brigade, initially reported two dead and at least 10 injured, though subsequent reports confirmed the higher casualty count. Police officers were among those wounded in the attack.
A planned anti-government protest was reportedly taking place near the square at the time, though reports did not establish whether it was connected to the shooting.
What officials have said
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek issued a statement appealing for calm and pledging accountability.
A terrible tragedy in Kraków's Main Market Square. I share the grief of the families and loved ones of the victims of this unimaginable tragedy. The perpetrator was injured and detained. Prosecutors, police and all the relevant services are already working at the scene, securing evidence and investigating the circumstances of the attack. The state is taking action. We appeal for calm and ask that people not interfere with the work of the emergency services. We will ensure that the perpetrator of this crime is held fully accountable and severely punished.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that authorities were investigating the incident and its background.
I am being kept informed by the Minister of the Interior about the situation in Kraków following the tragic shooting. The police are investigating the background and all the circumstances of the attack. A man was firing toward random people from a car driving through the city's Main Square, Kraków police said. Police officers are among the wounded.
Key facts about the incident
- Five people have been killed and more than a dozen injured in the shooting at Kraków's Main Market Square
- The gunman fired at random pedestrians from a vehicle driving through the central square
- The perpetrator was shot and wounded during a police confrontation and is being treated in hospital
- Police officers are among those injured in the attack
- No motive has been announced; authorities are investigating all circumstances surrounding the incident
About Kraków
Kraków is Poland's second-largest city, located approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) south of the capital, Warsaw. The Main Market Square is one of Europe's largest medieval squares and serves as a major tourist destination and cultural hub in the historic city centre.
