A deadly shooting in Kraków, which claimed six lives, has reignited questions about how authorities vet civilian gun owners. Polish ministers are considering stronger checks as investigators examine how the attacker obtained his weapons. EU firearms rules already require countries to monitor whether owners remain fit to hold a permit.
The 24-year-old gunman died in hospital early on Monday, Kraków authorities confirmed. Fifteen people were injured in the attack on the city’s Main Market Square. Police had shot and detained him during their intervention.
Poland’s strength lies in the resilience of its people. In this moment of mourning, Poland does not stand alone. — Kaja Kallas, EU foreign-policy chief
Deputy Interior Minister Czesław Mroczek said officials would examine the procedures for issuing permits, including the checks the attacker underwent. Applicants already face examinations, he said, describing the process as relatively strict. Monday’s review would assess whether those safeguards were sufficient.
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Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek supported regular examinations for people holding sporting firearms. “I think we should look at these rules today,” he said in a Radio ZET interview. He said ministers could examine possible legislative changes this week. No new requirements have yet been adopted.
Both the attacker and his father held gun permits. Prosecutors reported finding four firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Investigators have not established the gunman’s motive or whether others were involved, despite earlier government suggestions of far-right inspiration.
‘Poland does not stand alone’
“Poland’s strength lies in the resilience of its people. In this moment of mourning, Poland does not stand alone,” EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas said in her response to the attack. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also expressed condolences and thanked police and emergency services for their intervention.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that EU flags were flying at half-mast on Sunday. These expressions of solidarity included no proposals to amend European firearms legislation. The EU sets minimum standards for civilian gun ownership, while national authorities administer permits and checks.
The permit review has yet to produce new requirements. Mr Żurek said ministers could examine legislative changes this week, including regular checks for sporting-gun owners. That would extend scrutiny beyond the examinations applicants undergo when first seeking a permit.
