Polish PM Donald Tusk Calls for Tougher Online Rules and Gun Permit Review After Deadly Krakow Shooting

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for stronger regulation of illegal online activity and an urgent review of firearms laws following a mass shooting in Krakow that killed six people, warning that threats in the digital world can be just as dangerous as those in real life. ⠀ Speaking before a cabinet meeting on November 10, Tusk argued that online activity could influence people's thinking and behavior as strongly as real-world events, sometimes even more. ⠀ “What is prohibited and illegal in real life must also be prohibited and eliminated from the virtual world,” he said, insisting that the proposed measures were intended to protect children and young people rather than impose censorship. ⠀ Tusk announced that his government would revisit legislation addressing what he described as abuses of online freedom. He also ordered ministers to urgently examine firearms licensing, shooting-range regulations and the registration of privately owned weapons. ⠀ The prime minister revealed that the Krakow gunman had successfully passed psychological examinations less than a year before the attack while applying for a firearms permit, raising questions about whether existing safeguards are sufficient. ⠀ “We cannot create a perfect world here,” Tusk acknowledged, expressing hope that Poland would remain one of the safest countries when it comes to gun violence. ⠀ “This is the first such case. Let us do everything to make sure it is the last,” he said. ⠀ The proposed review follows the November 7 attack, when a 24-year-old gunman opened fire in Krakow's historic Main Square, killing six people and injuring 15 others. The attacker died in hospital on November 9 after being shot by police. Investigators are examining his motives and possible extremist influences.