Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A gunman who killed nine people, including three members of his own family, in Poland’s Krakow held ultranationalist views and was fascinated by far-right ideologies, officials said. At least 15 others, including two police officers, were injured in the attack, which the country’s Defence Minister described as a terror attack.
The attacker, a Polish national in his mid-20s from the nearby Swietokrzyskie region, opened fire with an automatic rifle while driving through Krakow’s historic Main Market Square on Saturday. Police shot him at the scene and took him to hospital around 3 pm local time.
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The three relatives were found dead at the gunman’s apartment in Ostrowiec Swietokrzyski, outside Krakow. They are believed to be his parents and sister, Andrzej Fijolek, deputy inspector of the Police National Headquarters, said.
Four women and two men were killed in the attack in the city centre, police said. The discovery of the three bodies at the gunman’s residence brought the death toll to nine.
GUNMAN HAD FAR-RIGHT IDEOLOGICAL LEANINGS
Poland’s Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski identified the attacker as a man in his mid-20s and said he held ultranationalist views.
“Everything indicates he was fascinated by far-right ideologies,” Kierwinski said.
Krakow police spokesperson Katarzyna Cislo told TVN24 that the gunman was dressed in military-style fatigues and used a military-type long gun during the attack. Police also recovered other weapons and ammunition from his car.
The attacker fired from a moving vehicle as he drove through the Main Market Square, a popular tourist and commercial destination. Police exchanged fire with him during what officials described as a “wild ride” through the square.
He continued shooting at officers even after being hit by police bullets, but was eventually subdued, officials said.
TWO POLICEMEN SERIOUSLY INJURED
At least 15 people were injured in the shooting, including two police officers who were seriously wounded.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised the officers, Senior Constable Jakub Kulik and Senior Constable Artur Moranski, for their response to the attack.
“They likely saved lots of lives while risking their own lives. Their conditions are serious but they are in good hands. All of Poland has their fingers crossed for you,” Tusk said.
One of the officers was earlier reported to have undergone surgery after being shot three times, according to NBC News.
Videos circulating on social media showed an injured police officer firing at the gunman before falling to his knees and rolling onto his back. The officer appeared to struggle while reloading his firearm and was seen clutching his right arm.
However, it was not immediately clear whether the officer in the video was one of the two policemen identified by officials.
Maopolska Police clarified in a post on X that no police officer had been killed, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.
KRAKOW ANNOUNCES MOURNING PERIOD
Krakow’s municipal authorities announced a mourning period until November 11 following the attack.
The city’s historic Main Market Square lies at the centre of its medieval Old Town and is one of its most popular tourist destinations. Laid out in 1257, the sprawling plaza is home to landmarks such as the historic Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the square is considered Europe’s largest medieval market square and is surrounded by historic buildings, churches and palaces.
During World War II, when Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany, the square was renamed after Adolf Hitler and used as a base for Nazi propaganda.
– Ends
(With NBC News inputs)
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
