Poland’s interior minister says the Krakow gunman may have been drawn to far-right ideology. Motive remains under investigation.
Poland’s interior minister said there are indications the gunman who killed six people in Krakow’s Main Market Square on Saturday was fascinated by far-right ideology, according to Reuters. Marcin Kierwiński added on Sunday that the motive is still under investigation, after conservative lawmakers criticized the comments. NBC News reported officials described the suspect as holding “ultranationalistic” views. Authorities have not publicly released his full name.
The suspect is a 25-year-old Polish citizen, police said. He drove into the square around 3 p.m. and fired on people at random from his car, killing four women and two men and wounding about 15 others. Krakow police said he acted alone. Police exchanged gunfire with him during what officials described as a “wild ride” through the square, which is why victims were found in different locations. He was shot, detained and is in serious condition in hospital.
Police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło told TVN24 that he wore military-style fatigues and used a military-type long gun. A shooting club spokesperson told Reuters he is a member and appeared to be a highly skilled marksman. CNN reported the number of weapons found matched the permits issued to the suspect and his father. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said three relatives, two women and a man, were later found dead at his home. NBC reported they are believed to be his parents and sister.
Residents gathered near the square on Sunday to mourn, and Poland is in mourning. Tusk traveled to Krakow.
This report draws on CBS News, CNN, NBC News, Reuters and TVN24.