On the evening of May 7, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the University of Warsaw when a 22-year-old student armed with an axe launched a violent attack on the campus, resulting in the death of a university employee and serious injuries to a security guard. The incident occurred around 18:40, sending shockwaves through the university community and beyond.
Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, who was present on the campus at the time but attending a lecture in a different location, expressed his deep sorrow over the event. In a statement posted on X, he said, "I am deeply moved by today's macabre event at the University of Warsaw. I extend my condolences to the relatives of the deceased and the entire university community. I wish a swift recovery to the injured guard. I thank the SOP officer who was nearby, working in the team securing my visit to the university."
Bodnar confirmed that he was alerted to the situation after it occurred and was evacuated safely by the State Protection Service (SOP) officers present on the scene. He stated, "I was in a remote location, attending an academic lecture. I did not see this tragic incident. I learned about it after the fact from SOP officers, who, in accordance with procedures, efficiently evacuated me from the UW premises. I was never in any danger, having a professional SOP protection team with me at all times."
According to reports, the attacker, a law student from Gdynia, entered the campus and targeted the university employee, who worked at the gatehouse. The attack was brutal, and the victim succumbed to her injuries. The security guard, a 39-year-old man, was also seriously injured while trying to intervene. Eyewitnesses noted that SOP officers were conducting protective actions on the campus at the time and played a crucial role in subduing the attacker and administering first aid to the victims.
Artur Węgrzynowicz, a journalist from TVN Warszawa, reported that one of the SOP officers helped the university security in restraining the assailant and was the first to provide medical assistance. The police quickly detained the perpetrator, who is now in custody. He is expected to be interrogated on May 8.
Rafał Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, also reacted to the horrifying news, saying, "I was shocked by the information about the macabre crime on the campus of the University of Warsaw. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the murdered individual. I also hope that the injured man who came to help fully recovers. This brutal attack must be met with a severe punishment."
In the wake of the incident, the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw has begun an investigation, conducting examinations of both the crime scene and the victim's body. They have stated that further details regarding the case will be released on the afternoon of May 8.
The University of Warsaw has declared a day of mourning on May 8, 2025, in memory of the victim. Rector Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak and the UW Rector's Board expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased, stating, "Our colleague was brutally murdered." The university community is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, which has raised concerns about safety on campus and the need for adequate security measures.
This incident comes at a time when universities across Poland are increasingly focused on ensuring the safety of their students and staff. The presence of SOP officers on campus during the attack highlights the importance of security personnel in preventing such tragedies, although questions remain about the effectiveness of existing measures.
As investigations continue, the university community is left to mourn the loss of a colleague and process the trauma of the event. The impact of such violence on educational institutions is profound, affecting not only those directly involved but also the wider community, which must confront the realities of safety in public spaces.
In light of this incident, discussions surrounding mental health support for students and staff are likely to gain traction, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to address the emotional and psychological consequences of violence on campus.
The University of Warsaw, known for its rich history and academic excellence, faces a challenging road ahead as it seeks to restore a sense of safety and community in the wake of this tragedy. The commitment to providing a secure environment for education is paramount, and the responses from local authorities and university leadership will be critical in shaping the future of campus safety.
As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, the hope remains that lessons will be learned from this tragic event, leading to enhanced safety protocols and a greater focus on the well-being of all individuals within the university environment.
