Polish Police Officer Hailed as Hero After Stopping Krakow Market Square Gunman, Now Fighting for Life

A Polish police officer is being hailed as a hero after he and a colleague confronted and shot a gunman who opened fire in Krakow's historic market square on Saturday, killing six people in what authorities are treating as a terror attack. The officer, Senior Constable Jakub Kulik, is now fighting for his life in hospital, and officials have issued an urgent appeal for blood donations.

According to reports, the two officers engaged the 24-year-old attacker within three minutes of the first shots being fired. Dramatic video footage shows the officers confronting the masked gunman, who was wearing tactical gear, and exchanging fire at close range. Kulik is seen standing over the suspect and firing multiple shots before collapsing from his own injuries. The suspect also allegedly murdered his parents and sister at their home before the market square attack.

Kulik is a veteran of Poland's elite 6th Airborne Brigade, according to Polish media. Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek posted on social media: "An urgent appeal for blood for our hero from Kraków. Senior Constable Jakub Kulik, who today confronted an armed attacker without hesitation, is now fighting for his life in hospital. One of his lungs is not functioning, and he needs every drop of blood he can get."

Both Kulik and his colleague, Senior Constable Artur Moranski, remain in serious condition, with one of them still in a coma, officials said on Sunday. The incident has shocked the country and prompted an outpouring of support for the officers.

The attack occurred in one of Poland's most popular tourist destinations, and authorities have increased security in response. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not yet released further details about the suspect's motives.