Czech police step up armed patrols after deadly shooting in Krakow

Czech police will increase armed patrols in crowded public places after Saturday’s shooting in Krakow, despite having no information suggesting a direct connection between the attack and Czechia.

Officers carrying long guns will be more visible on the streets, particularly where large numbers of people gather. Police will also discuss protective barriers at planned cultural events with local authorities.

The measures were announced Saturday evening after the attack in central Krakow left six people dead and 15 injured. Czech police said they were in close contact with their Polish counterparts.

“Although the shooting in Krakow should have no direct connection with the Czech Republic, we are taking preventive security measures,” police said in a statement on X.

The announcement means residents and visitors may encounter more visibly armed officers in busy public spaces. Police identified locations with large concentrations of people as the main focus of the increased presence.

Additional protection at public events will be considered individually rather than introduced through a blanket requirement.

“We will discuss the possible placement of technical barriers at planned cultural events in cities individually with local authorities,” police said.

Their statement did not specify which events or locations would receive barriers, or how long the additional measures would remain in place. The steps were described as precautionary, with police emphasizing the absence of a known direct link to Czechia.

The latest reports from Poland put the death toll at six, with 15 people wounded, including two police officers. Police said a 24-year-old Polish citizen opened fire at random people from a car in Krakow’s Main Market Square around 3 p.m. Officers shot and detained the suspect, who was taken to hospital. No motive had been announced.

Polish police said the attacker acted alone and that the public was safe, according to The Associated Press. Additional weapons and ammunition were found in his vehicle.

Earlier Saturday, the Czech Foreign Ministry said it had no information that Czech citizens were among those killed or injured.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expressed condolences to the victims’ families and support for Poland and Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar and opposition politicians also issued messages of solidarity.

The Czech security response now extends beyond those statements, with police preparing a more visible presence around crowds while maintaining contact with investigators in Poland.