The Polish government is under fire for allegedly misleading the public about the political affiliations of the suspect in last weekend’s deadly mass shooting in Kraków, after initially claiming he was ‘fascinated with far-right ideologies’—only to later admit the assertion was unverified.
Initial Claims and Swift Backlash
In the chaotic aftermath of the attack, which left six dead and 16 wounded, Internal Affairs Minister Marcin Kierwiński declared that early evidence suggested the gunman held ‘very, very radical views’ tied to far-right extremism. The statement was widely circulated in international media, shaping early narratives around the tragedy.
But by Sunday, Polish outlets like Super Express reported that investigators found no evidence linking the 24-year-old shooter—who later died from police gunfire—to right-wing groups or online extremist circles. Onet later revealed that authorities discovered a Gadsden flag in his home, which may have fueled the initial speculation, though prosecutors clarified the symbol isn’t inherently tied to extremism.
Mounting Doubts and Opposition Fury
As scrutiny grew, reports emerged suggesting the suspect might have had left-wing leanings, with Rzeczpospolita citing police sources who found images of him ‘posing with flags.’ Former classmates also disputed the far-right label, describing him as emotionally volatile but apolitical.
Opposition leader Jarosław Kaczyński lambasted the government, accusing Kierwiński of peddling a ‘blatant lie’ to smear political rivals. ‘His views are irrelevant—only a disturbed man could commit such horror,’ Kaczyński said, demanding accountability for the rushed claims.
Government Defends Early Statements
Kierwiński defended his remarks, telling TVN24 that early hypotheses are routine in investigations and that all leads—including potential extremist ties—must be explored. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek, meanwhile, cautioned against premature conclusions, noting the probe into the shooter’s digital footprint and contacts remains ongoing.
With no manifesto or clear motive yet uncovered, the case has become a flashpoint in Poland’s polarized political climate, raising questions about how authorities handle sensitive information during crises.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/11/09/polish-govt-accused-of-lying-about-alleged-krakow-mass-shooters-far-right-ties-after-backtrack/