Poland: Police shooting in Nowy Sącz and assault on priest in Czeluśnica

Two separate incidents involving aggressive behavior occurred in Poland on Sunday, October 11.

In Nowy Sącz, a 41-year-old man died in the hospital after being shot by police on Lwowska Street. According to Małopolska Police spokesperson Katarzyna Cisło, officers responded to reports of a man walking with a kitchen knife. After the man ignored commands to drop the weapon and a taser proved ineffective, he moved toward an officer, prompting another officer to fire several shots. The man had reportedly been acting in an agitated state and may have previously threatened a woman. Authorities are investigating the circumstances and whether the use of force was justified.

In Czeluśnica, located in the Podkarpacie region near Jasło, a 35-year-old man disrupted a mass by approaching the altar, throwing a jacket, and striking a priest in the hand. The man was subdued by parishioners and handed over to the police. He claimed to authorities that he did not intend to cause harm and was merely attempting to “give a high five” to the priest because his hands were raised. The individual was taken by medical services for a psychiatric consultation, as reports suggest he may have been experiencing mental health issues.