Two main versions of the motives for the attack in Krakow were named in Poland
Polish investigators are considering two main versions of the motives for the mass shooting in the center of Krakow that occurred on November 7. One of them is related to far-right extremism, the other to the possible imitation of famous mass murderers.
This was announced on November 10 by the Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General of Poland Waldemar Żurek during a press conference, reports Onet.
According to the minister, law enforcement agencies have gained access to the computer and mobile phones of a 24-year-old Michał Oksiński, who staged the shooting on Krakow's Main Market Square. The examination of electronic devices has revealed new information about his interests and possible preparation for the crime.
Investigators have determined that a few months before the attack, the man visited web pages dedicated to Anders Breivik, the Norwegian far-right terrorist who carried out mass murders in Norway in 2011.
In the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers also inspected the attacker's workplace. In his personal locker they found inscriptions and symbols, the meaning of which is currently being analyzed by experts.
In addition, a yellow flag with the image of a rattlesnake was found on the man. According to Żurek, such symbols are used, among others, by some far-right movements in the United States. However, the mere possession of such a flag does not prove adherence to extremist ideology.
The minister stressed that the totality of the discovered materials allows considering the ideological motive as one of the main versions of the crime.
The second version suggests that the attacker may have been fascinated with the history of mass murders and tried to repeat the actions of famous criminals.
"Another hypothesis is that this person had an interest in serial killers. He tried to imitate tragic events that occurred in Europe and other parts of the world," — explained Żurek.
According to him, both versions are currently being actively checked. Investigators are also examining the man's social circle and the circumstances of his life, trying to identify factors that could have influenced the preparation of the attack.
The minister noted that it is currently impossible to definitively determine which motive was the main one. He did not rule out a combination of several factors, but emphasized the need to wait for the results of the investigation.
New data indicate that the attack may have been planned in advance. During the inspection of the man's belongings, law enforcement officers found about 500 rounds of ammunition and more than a dozen magazines for the weapon.
Żurek drew attention that such an amount of ammunition and equipment may point to advance planning of the crime.
Additionally, a silencer was found in the attacker's car. Investigators are checking whether it is linked to the murder of the man's three close relatives in the city of Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. In particular, the discovered device may help explain why the neighbors did not hear the shots.
Let's remind that on November 7, an armed man drove a car into Krakow's Main Market Square and opened fire on the people there. As a result of the attack, six people died, and another 15 were injured.
During the arrest, the shooter sustained serious injuries. On the morning of November 9, he died in the hospital.
Despite the attacker's death, the investigation continues. Polish law enforcement agencies are establishing the circumstances of the crime preparation, possible connections of the man with extremist groups, and the motives of his actions.
Based on materials from: Onet, Radio Kraków, Rzeczpospolita.
