The short version
- James Campbell, a 32-year-old DJ from Prestwick, has been named as one of the six people killed in the November 7 shooting in Kraków.
- The gunman, identified as Michał Oksiński, died after being shot by police; he is also suspected of killing three family members at his home.
- Polish officials have described the incident as terrorism, while investigators remain uncertain about the specific ideological drivers behind the violence.
A British man killed in a mass shooting in Kraków has been identified as James Campbell, a 32-year-old disc jockey from Prestwick in South Ayrshire. His death marks a significant development in the aftermath of the November 7 attack that left six people dead and dozens injured in Poland’s historic cultural hub. Campbell was among those struck when a gunman drove into the city’s central market square and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, an event that has shaken both local communities and international observers.
Police Scotland confirmed they are providing support to Campbell’s family, though officials noted that formal identification procedures were still pending at the time of reporting. The force emphasized that their immediate priority is ensuring proper identification so that repatriation can occur as swiftly as possible. Family liaison officers have been working closely with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to assist relatives in Scotland, who have requested privacy during this difficult period.
The attacker has been identified by prosecutors as Michał Oksiński, a 24-year-old man from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski in southeastern Poland. Oksiński died in the hospital on Monday after being shot by two police officers who were seriously wounded during a chase near the market square. In addition to the victims in Kraków, Oksiński is suspected of murdering three members of his own family—his parents and a sister—who were found dead at their home in another town. This connection suggests a complex and deeply personal dimension to the violence.
Among the survivors was Harry Marchant, a 19-year-old from York, who suffered a gunshot wound but is now reported to be in stable condition. North Yorkshire Police confirmed they are assisting his family, and Marchant’s relatives issued a statement expressing gratitude to first responders, medical staff, and the people of Poland for their care. They asked for respect for their privacy as they support Harry through his recovery process.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear despite initial speculation. Early reports suggested Oksiński may have been inspired by far-right ideologies, given his military-style attire during the assault. However, prosecutors later stated that the reasons for killing nine people overall were not yet fully understood. This uncertainty has complicated efforts to categorize the event definitively, even as political leaders seek to frame its significance.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the shooting as an act of terrorism, calling it the deadliest such incident in the country since the fall of communism in 1989. His characterization underscores the severity of the attack and its impact on national security perceptions. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people joined a silent march in Kraków on Monday evening, led by Poland’s president and prime minister, to pay tribute to the victims and demonstrate solidarity against violence.
In Scotland, local political figures have paid tribute to Campbell and offered reassurance to affected communities. Siobhian Brown, the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Ayr, expressed shock and sadness over the loss of life. She highlighted the presence of a wider Polish community in her constituency and across Ayrshire, noting that the news would resonate deeply with many residents. Brown emphasized the importance of standing together against hatred, extremism, and violence in all forms.
Authorities in both the UK and Poland continue to coordinate their responses to the tragedy. Police Scotland urged the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns through official channels, including online platforms or emergency services. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting victims’ families, understanding the full scope of the attacker’s actions, and preventing future incidents. The coming weeks will likely bring more clarity as forensic evidence and witness testimonies are analyzed.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗British man who died in Kraków shooting named as James Campbell
