A Polish police officer who was seriously wounded while confronting a gunman in Krakow is now awake and breathing without a ventilator.
Artur Morański, 27, regained consciousness following emergency surgery after the November 7, 2026, attack in the city's historic Main Market Square. Krakow Mayor Łukasz Gibała said the officer had been extubated and was improving.
Doctors said he was conscious, able to communicate and beginning rehabilitation. His wife has been supporting him during his recovery.
What Happened to Artur Morański in Krakow?
On Saturday, November 7, an armed man drove into Krakow's Main Market Square and opened fire on people in the popular tourist area.
Morański and his patrol partner, 24-year-old Jakub Kulik, were among the first officers to confront the attacker. Both were shot during the intervention.
The gunman was wounded and arrested, but later died in hospital.
Six civilians died in the square attack and others were injured. Authorities also found three members of the suspected attacker's family dead at a home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. Investigators were examining a possible connection.
Reuters reported on the attack and its aftermath on November 9.
Injured Officer Wakes Up and Asks About His Partner
Morański was shot twice, suffering injuries to his lung and arm. According to Polish public broadcaster TVP, he underwent an operation lasting around 12 hours.
After he regained consciousness, one of his first questions was about his fellow officer.
Muszyna Mayor Jan Golba shared the question in Polish: “A Kuba żyje?” It means, “Is Kuba alive?”
Kuba is a familiar form of Jakub, the name of Morański's patrol partner.
Radio ZET reported the mayor's account on November 9.
Both Wounded Officers Are Recovering
Medical staff began waking the two officers from medically induced comas on Sunday, November 8.
By Monday, Polish prosecutors confirmed that both had regained consciousness.
Doctors later helped the officers communicate through a video call after each asked about the other.
Krakow Mayor Łukasz Gibała said on November 10 that both officers remained hospitalized but had made significant progress. Their recovery was encouraging, although ongoing treatment remained necessary.
Radio Kraków reported the video call between the two officers.
Who Is Artur Morański?
Morański is a 27-year-old senior police constable from Powroźnik, a village near Muszyna in southern Poland.
He joined the police in 2024 and serves in a patrol unit at Krakow's First Police Station.
Before becoming a police officer, Morański played soccer with a local club and was active in his parish community.
Golba described him as a dedicated and dependable young man. The mayor also announced plans to recognize his courage once his family has had time and privacy during his recovery.
TVP Kraków reported on Morański's background and injuries.
Poland Honors the Victims of the Attack
The shooting shocked Krakow, a city known for its historic center and large numbers of visitors.
On November 9, thousands attended a silent march honoring those killed. Poland's president and prime minister joined the gathering.
Police and other public officials also expressed support for the injured officers and their families.
Reuters covered the memorial march on November 9.
What Is Artur Morański's Condition Now?
As of November 10, Morański was conscious, able to communicate and no longer needed a breathing tube.
Reports from Poland indicate that he had begun rehabilitation with his wife nearby.
The officer's progress is welcome news for his family, colleagues and community. However, doctors have not yet announced when he will leave the hospital or return to duty.
His first reported question about his partner has become one of the most widely shared details of the tragedy.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of Morański, Kulik and the other people injured in the attack.