Gunman Kills Six in Attack on Krakow's Main Square

A gunman drove into the main market square in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, November 7, and opened fire, Polish authorities said. Euronews, reporting on November 8, said six people were killed and that police shot and wounded the attacker before taking him into custody.

The square sits in the heart of Krakow's Old Town and is one of the busiest tourist spots in Poland's second largest city. Police said the man drove onto the square in the early afternoon and began firing at random people from his car. CBS News reported that three more people, described as the suspect's relatives, were later found dead at his home.

Officials said four women and two men were killed in the square. Among the dead was a British citizen, and foreign visitors were among the wounded. Early reports gave different casualty numbers as the situation unfolded, which is common in the first hours after such events. As of its November 8 report, Euronews said 16 people were injured, a count that includes two police officers and the wounded suspect.

The suspect is a 24-year-old Polish citizen, officials said. After conflicting early reports about his age, authorities confirmed on Sunday that he is 24. Poland's interior minister said the man held very radical far-right views. The country's defense minister described the attack as an act of terror. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said police were investigating the background and all the circumstances.

Two police officers who stopped the attacker were seriously hurt and are being treated at a Krakow hospital. The city's mayor said Krakow would observe a period of official mourning through Wednesday.

Investigators said the gunman appears to have acted alone, and they were still working to confirm his motive. Officials said he was wearing military-style clothing and used a rifle, and police found more weapons and ammunition in his car.