On May 7, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the University of Warsaw, where a 22-year-old man launched a brutal attack, resulting in the death of a university employee. The attack occurred around 6:40 PM when the assailant used an axe against the victim, a porter in her sixties, who succumbed to her injuries at the scene. A security guard, who attempted to intervene, was also injured and is currently in critical condition.
The perpetrator, a Polish citizen and a third-year law student from Gdynia, was quickly apprehended by university security personnel. According to Piotr Skiba, spokesperson for the District Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw, the attack was characterized by extreme violence, but the motive remains unclear.
During the time of the assault, Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar was present at the university, participating in an open lecture at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies. His scheduled appearance was from 5:55 PM to 6:10 PM, followed by a panel discussion. Bodnar confirmed he was in a distant location and did not witness the attack, learning about it afterward from officers of the State Protection Service (SOP), who were present for his security.
"I was present on the university campus at the time of the incident. I was in a distant location, attending an academic lecture. I did not see this tragic event," Bodnar stated on social media platform X. He expressed his condolences to the victim's family and the university community, saying, "I wish a speedy recovery to the injured guard. Thank you to the SOP officer who was nearby, working with the security team for my visit to the university. He was alerted to the event, ran to the scene, and effectively supported the university security in the intervention."
Following the incident, the University of Warsaw released a statement acknowledging the tragedy, stating, "Today in the afternoon, the community of the University of Warsaw was struck by a tremendous tragedy. Our colleague, a university employee, was brutally murdered." The rector announced that May 8, 2025, would be observed as a day of mourning across the campus.
Students at the university shared their shock and disbelief regarding the attack. One law student remarked, "We passed by that porter, so we probably recognize her from sight. But the thought that the perpetrator could be a student from our year is even more terrifying."
As the investigation continues, authorities have secured surveillance footage from the campus to aid in understanding the sequence of events. Prosecutors and police are actively working on the case, with additional officers on standby should further assistance be required.
Colonel Bogusław Piórkowski of the SOP confirmed that their officer played a significant role in the response to the attack. "I can confirm that our officer assisted in the action. The attacker was subdued by campus security, and our officer helped in those actions and provided assistance," Piórkowski stated.
Witnesses reported hearing screams during the attack, prompting immediate action from security personnel. The swift response of the university guards was crucial in subduing the assailant before police arrived on the scene.
In light of this horrific event, the University of Warsaw's administration emphasized their commitment to safety and security on campus. In their statement, they expressed, "We firmly oppose violence—any violence, especially that which occurs in places that should be spaces of safety, respect, and cooperation."
This incident has sparked discussions about campus safety and the mental well-being of students, particularly in light of the assailant being a fellow student. The university community is grappling with the implications of such a violent act occurring within their academic environment.
As more details emerge, the university and local authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the attack to come forward. This appeal aims to ensure justice for the victim and to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Overall, the events of May 7 will leave a lasting impact on the University of Warsaw community, as they mourn the loss of a colleague and seek answers in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
