Poland: Thousands of people gathered in Poland’s historic city of Krakow for a silent march to honour the six people killed in a deadly shooting rampage over the weekend.
The vigil brought together Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who set aside their political differences to stand in solidarity with victims and their families following the country’s deadliest attack in modern times.
The march proceeded through central Krakow before reaching the historic Market Square, where a bugler played from the tower. Residents and visitors placed flowers and candles at several makeshift memorials marking the locations where victims lost their lives. The attack has deeply shaken Poland, a country widely regarded for its public safety, leaving communities searching for answers about the circumstances behind the violence.
Tonight, the loudest sound in Cracow was the sound of silence🖤 https://t.co/lj3iOqLsPE
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) November 9, 2026
Local media identified the alleged gunman as 24-year-old Michal Oksinski, who died in hospital, after being critically injured in a shoot-out with police. Investigators allege that he first killed his parents and sister at their home before driving approximately 200 kilometres to Krakow, where he continued the shooting spree. Police reportedly recovered four firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from his vehicle.
Authorities have not yet established a clear motive for the attack. While Poland’s interior minister initially suggested that the suspect was influenced by far-right extremist views, the national prosecutor’s office has cautioned against concluding any ideological connection at this stage. Investigators are examining his electronic devices, personal belongings and several badges found on his military-style clothing. A yellow Gadsden flag featuring a coiled snake was also reportedly discovered in his bedroom.
Among the six victims was a Polish painter in her 50s and a mother of four who was visiting Krakow with friends for an exhibition opening. A British citizen and an Austrian national were also killed, although their identities had not been publicly released at the time of reporting. Several horse-drawn carriage drivers were seriously injured, while police officers involved in confronting the gunman also sustained injuries.
The incident has renewed concerns about firearm regulations in Poland. The suspect and his father were reportedly members of a local shooting club and legally owned the recovered weapons. The government has announced an urgent review of firearm licensing and background checks, including the psychological assessments required for gun ownership.
Although shops and cafes around the Market Square have gradually reopened, the atmosphere remains subdued. Residents continue to visit memorials, while flowers and messages of support have also been placed near the location where police intercepted the suspect. One message thanked the injured officers for their courage.
The tragedy has also raised questions about public safety and the growing number of legally owned firearms in Poland, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. For many residents, the greatest concern remains understanding how the attack happened and why so many innocent lives were lost.
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