At least five people were killed and more than ten were injured following a terrorist attack that occurred this Saturday in the historic center of Krakow, Poland.
The attack took place in the Main Market Square, one of the most emblematic and crowded spaces in the country, and ended with the intervention of security forces, who shot at the terrorist and managed to neutralize him.
The Police of the Małopolska region confirmed the toll of victims and reported that the suspect was hit by gunfire from the officers and was taken to a hospital. Meanwhile, emergency teams continued to work at the scene to assist the injured and address the aftermath of the incident.
The attacker.
"In the incident that occurred in the Main Market Square, five people have died and more than ten have been injured. The perpetrator has been hit by gunfire from the officers and is being taken to the hospital. Emergency services continue to work at the scene", the police force reported.
Videos circulated on social media show a man dressed in what appears to be a military uniform moments before a police officer shot him. The images also reportedly show the intervention of security forces to stop the attack.
The scale of the operation was reflected in the deployment of numerous police vehicles and ambulances in the vicinity of St. Mary's Church. Additionally, an air ambulance helicopter was sent to assist with medical aid.
Medical helicopter.
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The shooting prompted a swift response from Polish authorities. The City Hall reported that rescue teams were working in the Main Market Square and that police forces were conducting operations in various sectors of the city.
The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, also commented on the incident and assured that he receives ongoing information from the Ministry of the Interior.
"The Minister of the Interior is informing me in real-time about the situation in Krakow following the tragic shooting. The Police are investigating the motives and all circumstances of the attack", the leader wrote.
For its part, the United States Embassy in Krakow announced its closure following the attack. The U.S. ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families through a message posted on X.
"The United States stands with Poland in this dark hour, just as Poland stands with its beloved citizens of Krakow. May the memory of those who have died today ease the pain of those who mourn them", he stated. For now, authorities are investigating the circumstances of the shooting and the motives of the attacker.
