Krakow Shooting Raises Fears of Deeper Political Division in Poland
After a terrorist attack in Krakow in which a gunman killed six people and wounded 15, concern is growing in Poland that political forces may exploit the tragedy in their rivalries. Prosecutors are investigating the case as an act of terrorism.
Poland remains in mourning after a terrorist attack on Saturday, 7 November, in Krakow's historic Main Market Square, where a gunman killed six people and wounded 15. According to the AFP news agency, fears have grown that political forces could use the tragedy in their struggles, further splitting a society that is already deeply polarised. Polish prosecutors are investigating the case as an act of terrorism.
How the attack unfolded
BBC reports that 24-year-old Michal Oksinski opened fire on people from a car at around 3 p.m. He then tried to flee police in the vehicle but was seriously wounded in an exchange of fire with officers about a kilometre from the square. Police later said the gunman died in hospital.
The dead are four women and two men. Four of the victims were Polish citizens, one was British and one was Austrian. Fifteen wounded people were taken to hospital, including two police officers and five foreign nationals from Austria, Britain, Germany, Portugal and Russia. When police searched the gunman's home, they found the remains of his father, mother and 21-year-old sister; Oksinski most likely killed them as well.
Mourning and motives
Mourning has been declared in Krakow until 11 November, while President Karol Nawrocki proclaimed national mourning for 8 and 9 November. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski has described the attacker as an ultranationalist driven by far-right ideology and holding very radical views. The specific motives for the attack have not been established.
Political tension
AFP points to concerns about political confrontation in the country this week. A Constitutional Tribunal session is scheduled for today. The nationalist Law and Justice party (PiS) had planned protests against the liberal government's efforts to replace judges on the tribunal, but they were cancelled after the attack, which does not mean they will not take place on other days. Greater concern surrounds the Independence March planned for Wednesday, which usually draws far-right and ultra-conservative groups and could head to the Constitutional Tribunal instead of its traditional route.
