Krakow shooting suspect dies in hospital after killing six people

The suspect in a mass shooting that left six people dead in Krakow, Poland, has died in hospital, police said on Monday. The 24-year-old man, named by local media as Michal Oksinski, was injured during a gunfight with armed officers on Saturday. He had opened fire in the city’s busy Main Market Square, killing six people before being shot by police within three minutes.

Investigation into motive continues

Officials initially said the attacker appeared to be inspired by “far-right ideologies,” but the investigation is ongoing. A minister had described him as “ultra-nationalist” without giving further details. On Monday, Przemysław Nowak, spokesperson for Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office, said investigators were still working to determine a motive. The suspect’s parents and sister were also found dead at the family home, bringing the total number of victims to nine.

Victims and injuries

Among the six people killed in the square were four Polish citizens, a British national, and an Austrian woman. Sixteen people were taken to hospital, including five foreigners and two police officers. The injured came from Austria, Britain, Germany, Portugal, and Russia. Both police officers emerged from comas on Sunday. A surgeon who treated victims at the scene said his colleague “undoubtedly” saved the life of a gravely injured officer by stemming bleeding with his hand until an ambulance arrived.

Aftermath and national mourning

Poland declared two days of national mourning. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who traveled to Krakow, called the attack “terrorism.” UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “shocked and saddened” and that the United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Poland. The Main Market Square reopened on Sunday evening after the security cordon was lifted. Authorities found four firearms and several hundred rounds of ammunition in the suspect’s car.