A 24-year-old man with far-right views, who was responsible for a tragic shooting in Kraków’s Old Town in Poland, has succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The incident occurred in a prominent tourist location, where the assailant, Michał Oksiński, dressed in military attire and a bulletproof vest, opened fire on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuries to 15 others, including several foreign nationals.
Authorities have reported that the shooter continued firing even after sustaining injuries from responding police officers. Following multiple surgical interventions, he passed away early Monday morning.
Eryk Stasielak, a representative from the Kraków branch of the national prosecutor’s office, confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine whether the individual had any affiliations with others who may have inspired or helped him carry out the attack.
The investigation includes securing and analysing the electronic devices belonging to the shooter. Investigators are also focusing on how he acquired an extensive arsenal of weapons and ammunition. At this time, it remains premature to assess the individual’s ideological motivations, and investigators are exploring various avenues.
Autopsies for the victims commenced on Monday. Among the deceased were four women and two men, with three women and one man being Polish citizens. The injured include citizens from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Russia, Germany, and Austria, all of whom are reported to be in stable condition. However, the police officer who apprehended the attacker remains in serious condition.
In addition to these tragic events, authorities discovered the bodies of the assailant’s sister, mother, and father at the family residence in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, approximately 150 kilometres northeast of Kraków. The preliminary assessment suggests that they died from gunshot wounds.
In the wake of the incident, mourners have gathered in Kraków’s central square to pay their respects, lighting candles and laying flowers as a testament to the community’s collective grief. A resident remarked on the importance of confronting fear and anxiety during such trying times.
Prosecutors have initiated an inquiry into the murders and attempted murders of numerous individuals, including police officers, categorising the event as a terrorist offence.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
