Polish authorities confirmed on Monday that Michał Oksiński, the suspect believed responsible for a mass shooting in Kraków’s central market square, has died in hospital.
The 24-year-old Polish national was critically injured during a confrontation with police officers as they attempted to apprehend him after the attack on Saturday afternoon. He had been driving at high speed into the historic old town area, which typically sees large crowds of tourists, before beginning an uncontrolled firing spree described by police as a 'wild ride' around the square.
Victims and Injuries
Among those killed were a British man aged 32 and an Austrian woman aged 51. The remaining four victims were Polish nationals. Of the 16 people wounded in the incident, 15 were stable by late Sunday, including two police officers who had been hospitalized in medically induced comas but were discharged earlier that day.
The injured included individuals from Britain, Austria, Germany, Portugal, and Russia. Police confirmed that Oksiński continued shooting even after being wounded during the exchange of fire with law enforcement.
Familial Deaths and Investigation Status
Shortly after the attack, bodies of three family members—his father (age 53), mother (age 52), and sister (age 21)—were discovered at their residence in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, approximately 100 miles northeast of Kraków. Authorities believe all were killed by gunshot wounds.
The national prosecutor’s office spokesperson, Przemysław Nowak, stated there is no evidence linking Oksiński to any specific political ideology during a press briefing on Monday. 'We do not have findings that we could, in a responsible way, categorically state that he was inspired by any particular ideology,' said Nowak. He added that no symbols generally associated with far-right or far-left movements were found on the suspect's belongings.
Investigation and Public Response
A terrorism investigation has been launched following the incident, as announced by Polish prosecutors. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek confirmed it would continue despite Oksiński’s death, aiming to determine whether the attack was isolated or influenced by extremist groups.
The interior ministry spokesperson indicated that 'many emblems and patches' on Oksi's clothing are being analyzed for potential ideological links. In a press conference, Żurek urged public restraint, stating: 'Evidence is being collected, but I will not show or disclose it. I ask for restraint.' He made the remarks during an interview with Radio Zet.
National Mourning
Poland declared two days of national mourning following the incident. Flags across the country were lowered to half-mast in tribute to the victims. The European Commission in Brussels also lowered its flags to half-mast as a gesture of solidarity with Polish citizens.
Mourners have left candles at the scene where the attack occurred; the market square reopened late on Sunday after temporary closure due to security concerns.