Poland shooting: Surgeon who assisted wounded police officer 'undoubtedly saved his life'

Live updates

1. 19m ago

   Surgeons credited with saving officer's life after Krakow shooting that killed six

   Two surgeons who were eating lunch near Krakow's Main Market Square rushed to treat victims after a gunman opened fire Saturday, killing six people and wounding at least 15. Professor Michal Pedziwiatr and Dr Mateusz Wierdak provided emergency care to a gravely injured police officer, with Pedziwiatr stating his colleague "undoubtedly saved his life." The suspect, who held far-right views according to authorities, died in hospital after a shootout with police. Three additional bodies were found at the attacker's home. Poland's National Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the attack as terrorism.

   Why it matters

   The shooting is Poland's deadliest in years and has shaken a country where mass gun violence is rare. Authorities say the attacker was motivated by far-right ideology, deepening political tensions. The rapid response by off-duty medical professionals and police officers who confronted the gunman likely prevented further casualties.

   What is confirmed

   • Six people were killed and at least 15 wounded in a mass shooting in Krakow on Saturday.
   • The suspect died in hospital after a shootout with police.
   • Three additional bodies were discovered at the attacker's home.
   • Professor Michal Pedziwiatr and Dr Mateusz Wierdak treated victims at the scene, including a critically injured police officer.
   • Pedziwiatr said his colleague Wierdak "undoubtedly saved" the officer's life.
   • Authorities say the attacker held far-right views and the incident is being investigated as terrorism.

   Still unconfirmed

   • One of the victims was a British national.
   • The surgeons heard gunshots while eating lunch with their families.

   What to watch next

   • Prosecutor's findings on attacker's motive and possible accomplices
   • Condition updates on the 15 wounded victims
   • Government response on gun control and far-right extremism measures
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. Reuters — Poland mourns victims of Krakow mass shooting as security fears grow
   2. AP News — Poles mourn rare mass killing as authorities say attacker had far-right views
   3. The New York Times — What to Know About the Mass Shooting in Poland
   4. Bloomberg — Poland’s Deadliest Shooting in Years Deepens Political Divide
   5. BBC — Poland shooting: Surgeon who assisted wounded police officer 'undoubtedly saved his life'
   6. NBC News — Kraków shooting that killed 6 was motivated by far-right views, authorities say
   7. CBS News — Mass shooting in Krakow, Poland market leaves at least 6 dead, 15 injured; 3 more found dead in suspect's home
   8. The New York Times — Reeling From Rare Mass Shooting, Poles Ask What Set Off Young Suspect
   9. Yahoo — 6 killed, 15 wounded in Poland terror attack
   10. New Hampshire Union Leader — Poland mourns victims of Krakow shooting amid security fears
   11. Dallas News — What to know about the shooting in the Polish city of Krakow that killed 6 people
   12. CNN — Gunman who killed 6 in Kraków mass shooting has died in hospital
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