On the evening of May 7, 2025, a tragic and brutal incident unfolded at the University of Warsaw, where a 22-year-old law student, Mieszko R., allegedly attacked a 53-year-old porter, Małgorzata, with an ax, resulting in her death. The attack, which occurred around 18:40, also left a 39-year-old university security guard seriously injured as he attempted to intervene.
According to police reports, Mieszko R. was apprehended shortly after the incident. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with students reportedly seeing the suspect wandering the campus for about 15 minutes before the attack. Some students even warned others about his presence, yet no one called the police until after the violence had erupted. A police officer commented on the situation, expressing frustration that bystanders chose to record the tragedy rather than seek help.
The police arrived on the scene within four minutes of receiving the emergency call. Mieszko R. was quickly subdued by university security personnel and subsequently arrested by the police. The weapon used in the attack, resembling an ax or hatchet, was found abandoned near the crime scene.
In the aftermath of the attack, the police released a video documenting the procedures that followed Mieszko R.'s arrest. The footage showed the crime scene, the suspect being transported to the police station, and the recovery of evidence, including the weapon. This video was shared with the public on May 9, 2025, as part of the ongoing investigation.
On May 8, 2025, Mieszko R. was charged with three serious offenses: murder with particular cruelty, attempted murder of the security guard, and desecration of the victim's body. The prosecutor, Piotr Antoni Skiba, stated that the suspect had a book titled "Dialogues" by Confucius with him at the time of his arrest, alongside knives and a bayonet found in his bag.
During court proceedings, which took place on May 9, 2025, Mieszko R. was placed in temporary custody for three months under psychiatric supervision. The court's decision came after prosecutors expressed concerns about the suspect's mental state, highlighting the need for a psychiatric evaluation. Mieszko R.'s defense attorney, Marcin Zaborowski, contested the prosecutor's claims, arguing that his client did not formally confess to the crime.
Prosecutor Kamil Kowalczyk revealed that Mieszko R. had indicated a belief in a world divided between "predators and victims," expressing a desire to become a predator himself. He allegedly stated that he believed he could only achieve this identity by committing murder. These statements raise questions about his mental health and the motivations behind the attack.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine whether the attack was premeditated or spontaneous. Initial findings suggest that Mieszko R. did not know the victim personally, and there is no evidence to indicate that the attack was planned.
In the wake of this horrific event, the University of Warsaw community is grappling with the shock and grief of losing a dedicated employee. Małgorzata was remembered as a hardworking porter who had served the university for many years. The incident has triggered discussions about campus safety and the responsibilities of students and faculty to report suspicious behavior.
In a statement, Alojzy Nowak, the rector of the University of Warsaw, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. He remarked, "This requires deep analysis to understand why this act occurred, especially from someone who was considered a good student."
The security guard who intervened in the attack is recovering in the hospital, with his condition improving significantly since the incident. He suffered severe injuries, including cuts to his hands and head, but his life is no longer in danger.
As the community mourns and seeks answers, the case of Mieszko R. has raised important questions about mental health, campus security, and the societal factors that can lead to such violent acts. The police continue to gather evidence, interrogate witnesses, and secure video footage to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
With the legal proceedings set to unfold over the coming months, the University of Warsaw and the broader community are left to reflect on the implications of this shocking crime and the urgent need for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
