2025 University of Warsaw attack
| University of Warsaw axe attack | |
|---|---|
Where the attack took place | |
| Location | University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland |
| Date | 7 May 2025 Around 9:30 a.m. CEST |
Attack type | Axe attack |
| Weapons | Axe |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Injured | 1 |
| Motive | Under investigation |
| Accused | Mieszko Ruciński |
| Charges |
|
On 7 May 2025, a 22-year-old law student Mieszko Ruciński[1] allegedly attacked staff members with an axe at the University of Warsaw in Warsaw, Poland. A 53-year-old female porter Małgorzata Dynak[2] was killed, and a 39-year-old security guard who intervened was seriously injured.[3][4]
The suspect, a second-year law student at the university,[5] was detained at the scene by police. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.[6]
Attack
On the morning of 7 May 2025, at around 9:30 a.m. CEST, a 22-year-old law student supposedly entered the University of Warsaw’s historic central campus armed with an axe.[3]
According to witnesses, the assailant first attacked a 53-year-old female porter near the entrance of the university building. She was struck multiple times and died at the scene from her injuries.[4]
A 39-year-old security guard attempted to intervene and was allegedly attacked by the suspect. The guard sustained serious head and upper-body injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition.[6] He later stabilized and was discharged from hospital to continue his recovery at home.[7]
Police arrived quickly at the scene and apprehended the suspect without further casualties.[3] University authorities evacuated nearby buildings and suspended classes for the remainder of the day.[5]
Trial
The suspect, a 22-year-old law student, was taken into custody immediately after the attack.[3] Prosecutors charged him with murder and attempted murder under Polish criminal law.[6] He was placed in pre-trial detention by order of the Warsaw district court.[8]
Authorities also ordered psychiatric assessments to determine the suspect’s fitness to stand trial.[4] As of August 2025, proceedings remain ongoing, and the trial has not yet concluded.[3]
Aftermath
The University of Warsaw declared three days of mourning following the attack, lowering flags to half-mast and cancelling academic events.[5] A funeral was held for the slain employee on 13 May 2025, attended by university staff, students, and government representatives.[7]
Polish officials condemned the attack, and the Ministry of Education pledged to review campus security measures nationwide.[6] The university also increased the number of security staff and implemented new access control measures at its central campus.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "Mieszko Ruciński".
- ^ "UW:Małgorzata dynak".
- ^ a b c d e Koper, Anna (7 May 2025). "Polish police detain man after he kills one person with axe at Warsaw University". Reuters. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ a b c "Warsaw university worker killed in axe attack". BBC News. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d "University of Warsaw declares day of mourning after brutal attack, new details emerge". Polskie Radio. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Poland: Woman killed with axe at Warsaw university as security guard critically injured". Sky News. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Funeral held for University of Warsaw employee brutally killed on campus". Polskie Radio. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
- ^ "Warsaw court detains suspect after deadly university axe attack". Polskie Radio. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 16 August 2025.