On November 7, 2026, Poland was struck by a terrible tragedy. A gunman opened fire on people in Krakow’s historic Main Market Square, killing six innocent people and injuring 15 others. What should have been an ordinary day in one of Poland’s most beautiful cities turned into a nightmare for victims, their families, witnesses, and the entire community.
Our deepest condolences go to everyone who lost a loved one, and we wish a full recovery to all those injured. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the police officers who confronted the attacker, putting their own lives at risk to protect others. Two officers were seriously wounded during the intervention. Their courage and dedication deserve our deepest respect.
Sadly, Krakow is not the only place where an ordinary gathering, a school day, or a moment of celebration has been transformed into an unimaginable tragedy. Around the world, mass shootings have taken countless innocent lives and left families and entire communities with wounds that may never fully heal.
This article remembers ten such tragedies. The purpose is not to compare suffering or glorify violence, but to honour those who lost their lives, acknowledge the courage of survivors and first responders, and remind ourselves of the importance of preventing such events.
1 Garissa University attack, Kenya – 148 people killed (2015)
On April 2, 2015, armed militants from the al-Shabaab group attacked Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya. The attackers killed 148 people, most of them students, during an assault that included a prolonged hostage situation. Many young people who had gone to university to build their futures never returned home. The attack devastated families across Kenya and prompted renewed debate about security at educational institutions. We remember the students, staff, and others whose lives were taken, as well as those who survived and continue to live with the consequences.
2 Norway attacks, Utøya – 69 people killed in the shooting (2011)
On July 22, 2011, Norway experienced one of the darkest days in its modern history. After a bombing in Oslo, a far-right extremist travelled to Utøya island, where young people were attending a summer camp organised by the Labour Party’s youth organisation. He shot and killed 69 people on the island, most of them teenagers. The victims had gathered to discuss politics, make friends, and enjoy their summer. The attack left an enduring mark on Norway and became a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting democracy, tolerance, and young people’s right to participate in public life.
3 Las Vegas shooting, United States – 60 people killed (2017)
On October 1, 2017, people attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival in Las Vegas were attacked while enjoying an evening of live music. Sixty victims ultimately died, and hundreds were injured. The shooting became the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Among those affected were concertgoers, families, friends, and people who had travelled to the city simply to enjoy a festival. The courage of first responders and ordinary people who helped strangers escape and reach safety became an important part of the story of that night.
4 Christchurch mosque attacks, New Zealand – 51 people killed (2019)
On March 15, 2019, a far-right terrorist attacked two mosques in Christchurch during Friday prayers. Fifty-one people were killed and 40 others suffered gunshot injuries. The victims included men, women, and children who had gathered for worship. Many were members of immigrant and refugee communities who had made New Zealand their home. The attack shocked the world and led to an outpouring of solidarity with Muslim communities. Memorials and public acts of remembrance continue to honour the people who lost their lives.
5 Pulse nightclub shooting, Orlando, United States – 49 people killed (2016)
On June 12, 2016, a gunman attacked Pulse, a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Forty-nine people were murdered and dozens more were wounded. The club was an important gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community, and many of those present were simply spending an evening with friends. The tragedy devastated families and communities across the country. In the days that followed, people gathered for vigils, donated blood, and offered support to survivors and relatives of the victims. The attack remains one of the deadliest acts of violence against LGBTQ+ people in modern U.S. history.
6 Port Arthur massacre, Australia – 35 people killed (1996)
On April 28, 1996, a gunman attacked visitors and staff at the historic Port Arthur site in Tasmania. Thirty-five people were killed and many others were injured. The victims included tourists and people working at the popular heritage destination. The tragedy deeply affected Tasmania and the whole of Australia. It also led to major changes in Australian firearms laws, including a national agreement to restrict certain firearms and introduce a large-scale buyback scheme. The victims are remembered not only by their families but by a country whose approach to public safety changed after the attack.
7 Virginia Tech shooting, United States – 32 people killed (2007)
On April 16, 2007, a gunman attacked students and staff at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. Thirty-two members of the university community were killed, and many others were injured. The victims included students and members of the teaching staff, people with families, ambitions, friendships, and futures ahead of them. The university continues to remember those who died through its April 16 Memorial and annual commemorations. Their names and stories remain at the centre of the community’s remembrance.
8 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, United States – 26 people killed (2012)
On December 14, 2012, a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty children and six adults were killed. The children were six and seven years old. Their teachers and other school staff lost their lives while at work in a place that should have been safe. The tragedy caused profound grief across the United States and around the world. Families, educators, and communities continue to remember the children and adults whose lives were taken that day.
9 Sutherland Springs church shooting, United States – 26 people killed (2017)
On November 5, 2017, a gunman attacked the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, during a Sunday service. Twenty-six people were killed and 20 others were injured. The congregation included families and children who had gathered for worship. The small community was left grieving the loss of neighbours, friends, and relatives. In the aftermath, residents and people from across the country came together to support the survivors and the families of those who died.
10 Robb Elementary School shooting, Uvalde, United States – 21 people killed (2022)
On May 24, 2022, a gunman attacked Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed. The children had gone to school expecting an ordinary day of lessons and time with their classmates. Instead, their families faced an unimaginable loss. The tragedy also raised serious questions about the emergency response and the protection of children in schools. Memorials, community gatherings, and the continued efforts of bereaved families keep the victims’ memory alive.
Every name behind these numbers represents a human life, a family, and a future that was taken away. The consequences of mass shootings extend far beyond the day of an attack: survivors may carry physical and emotional injuries for years, while families and communities continue to grieve.
We owe our respect to the victims, their loved ones, the survivors, and everyone who risks their life to protect others. Remembering these tragedies should strengthen our commitment to compassion, solidarity, public safety, and prevention. May those who lost their lives never be forgotten.
