Investigators found a silencer in Michał Oksiński‘s car, the 24-year-old perpetrator of Kraków’s massacre, and on his computer, they discovered traces of visiting websites devoted to Norwegian terrorist Anders Breivik. The findings reveal that “there’s a very strong thread of right-wing extremism,“ said Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek.
In a Tuesday interview with Radio Zet, Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek revealed new information from the investigation into Saturday’s city centre attack. The prosecutor’s office is investigating 24-year-old Michał Oksiński’s preparations for the attack, as well as his ideological inspirations and contacts with other persons.
In a separate interview on 9 November on Radio Zet, the minister stated that investigators will continue their investigation after the death of the attacker to determine all the circumstances of the tragedy. Investigators haven’t ruled out the possibility that others inspired the perpetrator. The Minister also didn’t exclude a Russian influence on the attacker.
Online right-wing extremist materials
Investigators have secured the shooter’s computer, which contained evidence of visits to websites associated with Anders Breivik, the Norwegian far-right terrorist. The minister indicated that this suggests a significant connection to right-wing extremism. He confirmed that the gathered evidence points to preparations for the crime, and the prosecutor’s office is currently examining the attacker’s motives.
Minister Żurek noted that while the perpetrator appears to be a so-called lone wolf, the investigation will assess whether there were any affiliations with extremist groups. Additionally, symbols discovered at the perpetrator’s workplace may further indicate a relationship with right-wing extremism.
The minister emphasised the importance of thoroughly analysing the attacker’s activities and social environment, acknowledging that mental health issues could also play a critical role in understanding the motivations behind such actions.
A prepared massacre
The minister expressed his concerns during an interview with Radio Kraków regarding the evident preparation for the recent tragic event.
He noted, “The presence of numerous firearms magazines and nearly 500 rounds of ammunition indicates that the individual in question was preparing for this action. Additionally, the discovery of a silencer in the perpetrator’s vehicle suggests further planning, especially considering that the family was found deceased in their apartment without any reports from neighbours indicating noices.”
The minister emphasised the importance of a thorough analysis of the situation and highlighted the role of the autopsy findings. “An autopsy of the victims is critical. Preliminary examinations reveal that they suffered severe internal injuries, necessitating further examination of the ammunition used.”
The minister emphasised that it should determine whether it was military-grade ammunition, which is designed to eliminate targets rather than simply kill, or if it was specialised semi-jacketed ammunition, which inflicts greater damage and causes fatalities more rapidly.
Perpetrator and youth radicalisation
“I approach this matter with caution, as the prosecutor’s office must conduct its proceedings based on a variety of assumptions. It is noteworthy that not everyone possesses such a flag with the rattlesnake, owns a substantial number of weapons, and also researches Breivik’s actions online. These elements provide significant indications in this case,“ emphasised Minister Żurek.
“Additionally, it appears that the evidence has validated the initial statements made by Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński,“ he added.
The minister clarified that, given the absence of any letters or messages from the attacker and his subsequent passing in the hospital, “it is essential to formulate our theories based on the evidence we have gathered.”
He further disclosed that the government held a meeting to address radicalisation among young people in Poland, during which efforts were made to identify such individuals online. Investigators are actively seeking out websites that promote radical ideologies while simultaneously establishing contacts with others who may hold similar views.
Russian factor also investigated
Minister Żurek has announced that prosecutors will investigate whether the 24-year-old acted independently. In an interview with Radio Zet, he said the possibility of a connection to Russian influences remains under consideration. “There is information that requires further verification; however, I prefer not to disclose specifics at this time,“ he stated.
When questioned about the possibility that Russian entities influenced the 24-year-old, the minister said the investigation also targets possible unconscious manipulation.
“It is not uncommon for individuals to be controlled without their awareness, and there are teams of psychologists and special agents addressing these matters,” he noted.
At the same time, he emphasised that, at this stage, it is premature to draw firm conclusions regarding the involvement of foreign intelligence agencies. “We categorically reject all sensational allegations that have emerged in the public domain,“ the minister of Justice affirmed.
