OMM Newsroom
Polish investigators have found evidence that may point to far-right extremist influences on a gunman who killed six people in Krakow, Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek said Tuesday, according to Anadolu Agency.
Zurek told Radio Krakow that investigators examining the computer of 24-year-old Michal Oksinski found he had visited websites about Anders Behring Breivik, a Norwegian far-right extremist who killed 77 people in two attacks in Norway in 2011.
“There is a very strong indication of right-wing extremism,” Zurek said. Investigators also found symbols at Oksinski’s workplace that could support that line of inquiry.
Authorities found a yellow Gadsden flag bearing the words “Don’t Tread on Me” in Oksinski’s room. The flag was originally associated with the American Revolution and has also been adopted by some far-right groups in the United States.
Zurek said investigators recovered a firearm suppressor from Oksinski’s vehicle. Prosecutors are continuing to examine evidence to determine his motives and any possible connections.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, Oksinski drove onto Krakow’s historic Main Market Square and opened fire in the crowded tourist area, killing six people. Police shot and detained him shortly after the attack. He died in hospital on Monday.
Authorities also found the bodies of Oksinski’s parents and sister at the family home. They said the three were likely killed by Oksinski before the shooting in the city centre.
Political dispute over the suspected motive
The investigation has prompted a political dispute over whether the attack was ideologically motivated. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said shortly after the shooting that the attacker had been influenced by far-right ideology.
Opposition Law and Justice (PiS) leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski accused Kierwinski of spreading a “blatant lie”. Kierwinski said Tuesday that he stood by his earlier remarks but was awaiting investigators’ findings.
PiS lawmaker Michal Wojcik also criticized Zurek’s latest statements, accusing government representatives of misleading the international community.
Investigators have yet to establish a definitive motive or determine whether Oksinski acted entirely alone.
Thousands of people, including President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, joined a silent march through Krakow on Monday to commemorate the victims.
