The man behind last week’s shooting in Kraków had shown an interest in Norwegian neo-Nazi Anders Behring Breivik, Poland’s Minister of Justice said on Tuesday. He added that much of the evidence gathered by investigators strengthens the theory of far-right radicalisation. The attack left nine people dead, including the attacker’s parents and sister.
Evidence from the attacker’s computer and home
“The authorities have access to the terrorist’s computer. We can see that he did indeed consult websites about Anders Breivik,” said Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek. He added that investigators had also found a Gadsden flag at the attacker’s home.
This historic American flag shows a coiled rattlesnake ready to strike on a yellow background, with the slogan “Don’t tread on me”. The symbol is sometimes associated with certain American far-right movements.
On 22 July 2011, Breivik first detonated a bomb in a van near the seat of government in Oslo, killing eight people. He then shot dead 69 others, mostly teenagers, at a Labour Party youth summer camp on the island of Utøya.
Nine dead and 15 injured
The attack carried out by Michał Oksiński left nine people dead. The toll was confirmed after the bodies of his parents and sister were found with gunshot wounds at their home, a two-hour drive from the scene of the shooting in Kraków.
In Kraków, Poland’s former capital, he was dressed in military uniform, with his face covered and wearing a helmet, and armed with a semi-automatic rifle. He opened fire from his car, shooting indiscriminately at passers-by in the Main Market Square, a popular tourist destination in the historic centre.
- Six people were killed in Kraków, including a British man and an Austrian woman
- Fifteen others were injured, including five foreign nationals (British, Portuguese, Russian, German and Austrian)
Investigators examine possible ideological links
The investigation is also focusing on the attacker’s circle and on any ideological ties that may have influenced his actions, the minister said.
While he did not rule out other possibilities, including mental health problems, Mr Żurek described the evidence gathered as “very strong indications” that support the authorities’ initial statements about possible far-right radicalisation.
Signs of preparation
The minister also pointed to “a certain degree of preparation” by the attacker. He noted that having about ten magazines for a semi-automatic weapon and about 500 rounds of ammunition went far beyond the normal needs of someone who regularly uses a shooting range.
“It is clear that this person was preparing to carry out this act,” he added.
Investigations into the weapons and ammunition used are continuing. Investigators are focusing in particular on whether the attacker had military-type ammunition or projectiles designed to cause more serious injuries, the minister said.
Source: ANA-MPA
