The Polish prosecution has launched an investigation into the mass killing that took place in Krakow, where six people were killed as a result of a shooting, as well as the murder of three members of the suspect's family in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, Polsat News reports.
In both cases, the suspect faces life imprisonment.
The investigation views the attack in Krakow as a terrorist act.
The announcement of the investigation was made by Poland's Chief Prosecutor Waldemar Żurek. The case is handled by the Małopolska unit of the National Prosecutor's Office specializing in organized crime and corruption. It is authorized to investigate terrorist crimes.
According to Żurek, the first incident concerns the killing of six people using firearms and attempts to kill others, including police officers performing their public order duties. Based on the preliminary legal classification, the attacker acted with the intent to severely terrorize a large number of people, which imparts a terrorist nature to the crime.
The second incident is related to the killing of three people in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. The bodies of the suspect's parents and sister were found in his apartment.
"The strictest punishment, life imprisonment, is foreseen for both acts," said the chief prosecutor.
The attack in Krakow took place on Saturday during the daytime. According to Polish media, a masked 24-year-old man arrived by car at the Main Market Square and opened fire on people there. He was injured during an exchange of fire with the police. As a result of the attack, six people were killed and another 16 were injured, including two police officers.
The suspect is in a hospital under the supervision of relevant services. According to Krakow district prosecutor Tomasz Waszczuk, the possibility of questioning him depends on his health condition. After obtaining permission from doctors to conduct procedural actions, the investigation plans to charge him and decide on preventive measures.
Investigators are examining the crime scenes and the car’s route, collecting surveillance camera recordings, and clarifying the circumstances preceding the attack. Special attention will be given to the suspect's past, his personal connections, and the legality of his possession of the weapon.
Preliminary data indicates that the man may have had a permit for the weapon, but the prosecution has not revealed details so far.
