Polish Police Photo: Shutterstock Poland is increasing security preparations following the deadly shooting incident that took place last Saturday (November 7) in the main square of Krakow, one of the country's main tourist sites.
The Polish Ministry of the Interior announced on Monday, November 9, that six people have been arrested since the incident as part of the activities of the Central Unit for Combating Cybercrime (CBZC), amid concerns about elements that could endanger public safety.
The announcement was made after a special situation assessment meeting chaired by the Minister of the Interior and Administration, Marcin Kierwinski, and attended by the Minister Coordinating Intelligence Services, Tomasz Szmoniak, senior officials from the Ministry of the Interior, and the commanders of the police, fire services, and security agencies in the country.
During the meeting, the findings of the investigation in Krakow, activity on social media, and preparations for securing mass events throughout Poland were discussed.
According to the Interior Ministry, after the shooting, users were identified on social media who expressed support for the act and even glorified the shooter. As a result, authorities are working to identify early individuals who may pose a threat to public order or attempt to imitate acts of violence.
The ministry emphasized the importance of cooperation between the police, the Public Security Agency, and other security bodies to identify threats and prevent further incidents.
However, the authorities did not say that the six detainees were planning to carry out a shooting or attack, and no details were published indicating an operational connection between them and the shooting operation in Krakow.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, the Malopolska Regional Police confirmed that the suspect in the shooting, a 24-year-old man, had died in hospital from his wounds. Six people were killed in the shooting incident in the main square in Krakow, and the bodies of three of his family members were found in the suspect's home.
Now, alongside the ongoing investigation, authorities are preparing to secure events for Polish Independence Day, which will be celebrated this Wednesday, November 11. The events are expected to include public gatherings and mass events in various cities across the country.
The Interior Ministry announced that the police would increase their presence and operate an extensive security system in preparation for the events. In addition, a ban was imposed on carrying weapons on Independence Day. In the Mazovia province, where Warsaw is located, restrictions were also imposed on the carrying and use of pyrotechnics.
Alongside the operational preparations, the event is also sparking a renewed debate on the country's gun laws. The Interior Ministry announced it will review procedures for issuing gun licenses and the requirements for periodic psychological tests for gun owners.
In addition, the ministry is promoting a regulatory change that would require registering firearms that use black powder, which are not currently subject to a similar registration requirement. This move is still in development and is not yet law.
The extensive preparations illustrate the shooting incident's implications for the Polish security system, as authorities must simultaneously manage the ongoing investigation, suspicious activity on social media, and preparations for Independence Day events expected to draw large crowds into public spaces.