The 24-year-old suspect in the mass shooting that killed six people in Kraków, Poland, has died in hospital, police confirmed on Monday 9 November. Investigators are also examining the deaths of his parents and sister, whose bodies were found at the family home, and have warned that the motive remains unknown.
The man, identified in official statements as Michał O., died at approximately 4.30am local time after undergoing several operations for gunshot wounds sustained during a confrontation with police on Saturday. The City of Kraków confirmed his death, citing the regional police force.
His death ends any prospect of putting him on trial, but Polish prosecutors say the investigation will continue. Their task now includes establishing whether anyone helped or encouraged the attacker and understanding what happened at two locations more than 90 miles apart.
Six killed in Kraków’s Main Market Square
The shooting began shortly after 3pm on Saturday 7 November, when a man drove into Kraków’s Main Market Square, a crowded historic landmark, and opened fire on passers-by. Six people were killed, including four Polish nationals, a British national and an Austrian national.
Two police officers were among those wounded as officers confronted the attacker. He was shot, detained and taken to hospital in a critical condition.
The city’s 9 November statement records 15 people injured, including two officers. Earlier reports gave 16 injured, a figure that Polish Radio subsequently explained included the gunman himself. In an official 9 November briefing, regional governor Krzysztof Jan Klęczar said 15 injured people were being treated in six Kraków hospitals. One police officer remained seriously injured, while the other 14 patients were reported to be stable, according to Polish Radio’s reporting of official briefings.
Three relatives found dead at family home
In Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, roughly 150 kilometres north-east of Kraków, police discovered the bodies of the suspect’s father, mother and sister at the family’s home. The relatives were reported to be aged 53, 52 and 21 respectively.
Police said their injuries appeared to be gunshot wounds. Investigators suspect the Kraków attacker was also responsible for their deaths, but that conclusion remains part of the investigation. Post-mortem examinations were due to begin on Monday.
Those three deaths are separate from the six people killed in the Kraków square. Nine people are therefore being investigated as victims across the two locations, in addition to the suspect, who subsequently died in hospital.
What prosecutors have said about the motive
Poland’s Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said after the attack that the suspect held radical and ultranationalist views. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also described the shooting as an act of terrorism.
However, prosecutors cautioned against drawing conclusions from those statements. At a Monday briefing, national prosecutor’s office spokesperson Przemysław Nowak said investigators did not yet have sufficient findings to say the suspect had acted from any particular political ideology. AFP reported that prosecutors were still treating the shooting as a terrorist incident, while distinguishing that investigative approach from a proven ideological motive.
Prosecutor Eryk Stasielak said investigators were examining the man’s electronic devices and whether anyone had inspired or assisted him. No accomplice, organising group or definitive motive had been established publicly as of Monday.
Police response and the continuing inquiry
The two officers who confronted the gunman were praised by Polish officials for their actions. Prime Minister Tusk said they may have prevented further deaths. Reports named them as Jakub Kulik and Artur Morański; one officer remained in serious condition on Monday.
Prosecutors are examining weapons recovered in Kraków and at the family home, witnesses’ accounts and other evidence. The death of the suspected gunman means prosecutors cannot bring charges against him, but does not end their inquiries into the nine victims or potential involvement by other people.
Kraków declared a period of city mourning from 8 to 11 November. Flowers and candles have been placed in memory of the victims. Reuters reported on Monday that President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk planned to join a silent march in the city. Poland’s government also said it would review requirements for firearms permits in the wake of the shooting.
Earlier coverage: Six Killed and 16 Injured in Kraków Shooting, our initial report published on 7 November.
Sources
- City of Kraków: police confirmation of suspect’s death and updated casualty figures
- Polish Radio / PAP: prosecutors confirm investigation will continue
- Associated Press: details of family deaths, weapons and the investigation
- AFP: prosecutors caution that the motive is not established
- BBC News: Krakow shooting suspect dies in hospital
