English Section

University of Warsaw declares day of mourning after brutal attack, new details emerge

08.05.2025 13:55
The University of Warsaw (UW) has declared May 8 a day of mourning following a violent attack on campus that left one woman dead and a security guard seriously injured. The authorities have updated the public on the condition of the injured guard, confirming that his life is no longer in danger.
Black flags were displayed outside the University of Warsaws main campus on May 8, following a deadly attack the night before. A female staff member was killed and a male colleague injured in an axe assault near the Auditorium Maximum; the university declared a day of mourning and canceled all classes.
Black flags were displayed outside the University of Warsaw’s main campus on May 8, following a deadly attack the night before. A female staff member was killed and a male colleague injured in an axe assault near the Auditorium Maximum; the university declared a day of mourning and canceled all classes.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

A 22-year-old from Gdynia has been arrested in connection with the attack, which occurred Wednesday evening at the university’s Auditorium Maximum.

The suspect, a third-year law student at UW, is said to have launched a brutal axe attack on a 53-year-old university porter, a mother of three, who died at the scene.

The 39-year-old guard, also injured, is receiving medical treatment, but his life is not in danger. Prosecutor’s office officials have scheduled investigative procedures with the suspect later today.


"The tragedy at the University of Warsaw is a signal of a severe mental health crisis and rising aggression. The state must invest, support, and take consistent action to prevent such tragedies. Our condolences go to the family of the victim and to the entire university community," stated the Polish Ministry of Education through social media.

Education Minister Barbara Nowacka expressed her deep shock over the attack, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the rising mental health crisis and increasing public aggression.

"I am deeply shaken by the tragedy that occurred at the University of Warsaw," said Education Minister Barbara Nowacka on Polsat News Thursday. "The state must invest in mental health services and take consistent steps to prevent such tragedies," the politician emphasized.

Due to the tragic events, May 8 has been declared a day of mourning at the University of Warsaw.

Candles and flowers were placed on the University of Warsaw’s main campus on May 8 in memory of the victims of a brutal attack. The previous evening, a female university employee was killed and a male colleague injured in an axe assault near the Auditorium Maximum building (PAP/Radek Pietruszka) Candles and flowers were placed on the University of Warsaw’s main campus on May 8 in memory of the victims of a brutal attack. The previous evening, a female university employee was killed and a male colleague injured in an axe assault near the Auditorium Maximum building (PAP/Radek Pietruszka)

Read more about this topic:

(m p)

Source: IAR/PAP/X/@Prok_Okreg_Wawa/@MEN_GOVPL/@Graffiti_PN