The Krakow shooter died in hospital; terrorism suspected

In depth

The gunman who carried out the shooting in the central square of Krakow, Poland, died of his wounds in hospital, where he was taken after being shot by police and arrested. On Saturday six people were killed, four women and two men, and at least 15 were wounded, including two police officers. The Polish Interior Ministry said that among the wounded are citizens of Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia and Britain, and that a British citizen was among the dead. Police said the first patrol car arrived at the scene 23 seconds after the report.

The suspect was identified as Michal Oksinski, 24, from the city of Ostrowiec. In a search of his home, three bodies were found, apparently those of his parents and sister, according to a statement by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said the suspect was influenced by far-right ideology and that everything indicates he was enamoured with it. According to police, the suspect had a gun licence and no criminal record, and although he never served in the security forces, he wore uniform during the shooting. Many firearms and ammunition were found in his car.

Police said the shooting was an act of terrorism and opened an investigation. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz described the shooting as an act of terrorism. National days of mourning were declared in Krakow, and the square was closed to the public. Israelis who were nearby said they heard gunshots and did not understand what was happening, and said they heard people telling them to run.