Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged politicians not to exploit a deadly attack in central Kraków after an alleged gunman killed at least six people and injured at least 15 on Saturday. Two police officers were among the wounded. The officers who confronted the attacker deserve the attention, not a political competition to see who can deliver the fastest verdict.
According to Breitbart, authorities identified the suspect as a 24-year-old Polish man. Police later reported finding three bodies, two women and a man, during a search of his residence in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski.
Tusk said: “This is truly an exceptional tragedy. There are many indications that these are members of the immediate family.”
Local newspaper Gazeta Krakowska reported that the suspect drove a Subaru with a licence plate from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski before opening fire on pedestrians on Sławkowska Street and later Market Square. He reportedly wore military-style clothing and used an AR-15 rifle.
Police shot the suspect, who was taken to hospital and underwent surgery. Authorities said weapons and ammunition were found in his car. Investigators believed there was one shooter but had not established whether anyone helped plan or carry out the attack.
Military clothing, of course, is not a service record. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz rejected rumours that the suspect belonged to the armed forces: “The man was not and is not a soldier of the Polish Army and has never had anything to do with the military.”
Onet identified the alleged attacker as “Michał O.” and reported that he had permits for two firearms. His father reportedly owned 11 weapons and was licensed to possess a firearm. According to that outlet, neither had a criminal record.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the suspect appeared interested in far-right ideology, while stressing that this still needed investigation. Police had not established a motive. A prosecutor’s spokesman said indications suggested the victims were targeted at “random”. An investigative lead is not a completed investigation, however tempting the shortcut might be.
Kierwiński praised the responding officers: “Police officers risked their lives in Krakow. Immediately. Thanks to their heroic actions, the attacker was quickly apprehended. One officer suffered a gunshot wound, the other is in very serious condition: three gunshot wounds. Surgery is underway.”
President Karol Nawrocki expressed concern for the victims and their families and demanded a full explanation. He said the National Security Bureau’s head was travelling to Kraków.
Tusk offered condolences and praised the police, adding: “And a heartfelt appeal to politicians of all stripes: do not exploit this tragedy. We will establish all the circumstances of this crime.” That is a standard worth holding every political camp to. The victims deserve answers, and the officers deserve more than passing applause.
