2025 University of Warsaw attack
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| University of Warsaw axe attack | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Where the attack took place | |
| Location | University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland |
| Date | 7 May 2025 Around 6:40 p.m. CEST |
Attack type | Axe attack |
| Weapons | Axe |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Injured | 2 (including the perpetrator) |
| 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]
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 around 6:40 p.m. CEST[3]. 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]