On the evening of May 7, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the University of Warsaw, where a 22-year-old law student allegedly launched a brutal attack on two individuals, resulting in one death and serious injuries. The suspect, identified as Mieszko R., reportedly used an axe to assault a university porter and a security guard who intervened. The attack occurred around 6:40 PM, shortly after classes had ended, leaving the university community in shock.
The victim, a 53-year-old woman working in university administration, succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while the security guard, aged 39, was rushed to the hospital with severe wounds, including cuts to both hands and his head. Fortunately, his life is no longer in danger, according to police reports.
Following the attack, police apprehended Mieszko R. within minutes, having received the first emergency calls at 6:39 PM. Robert Szumiata, spokesperson for the Warsaw Police, noted that officers arrived just four minutes after the initial alerts. "We were on the scene merely four minutes after receiving the first signals. At that time, we did not know if the attacker was acting alone," he explained.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Mieszko was brought before the prosecutor's office, where he faced three serious charges: murder with particular cruelty, desecration of a corpse, and attempted murder. Prosecutor Piotr Skiba confirmed that Mieszko allegedly admitted to the crimes but refused to answer further questions during the interrogation. His lawyer, Maciej Zaborowski, disputed this claim, stating, "It is not true, as prosecutor Skiba said, that my client admitted guilt. That is nonsense."
The gruesome nature of the attack has raised numerous questions within the community. Mieszko reportedly had a bayonet in his bag alongside the axe, and authorities have indicated that there is no evidence suggesting he knew his victim. This lack of motive has left investigators puzzled. Skiba remarked, "At this stage, nothing indicates that the suspect knew the victim personally, and it appears to be a planned act against this specific person."
In the aftermath of the attack, the rector of the University of Warsaw, Alojzy Nowak, expressed profound sorrow and condolences to the victim's family. He described the incident as potentially the worst event to occur at the university since World War II. "The university is experiencing this tragedy threefold. Firstly, because we lost our colleague, a mother of three, an outstanding university employee. Secondly, the murderer was a student of the University of Warsaw. Thirdly, a brave security guard was seriously injured while defending his colleague," Nowak stated.
Investigators have initiated a forensic psychiatric evaluation of Mieszko, considering his erratic behavior post-arrest, which included mood swings and statements that he was a predator. Reports indicate that he had been wandering around the campus with an axe prior to the attack, even entering a nearby store.
As the investigation continues, the prosecutor's office has taken steps to ensure a thorough examination of the case. An autopsy for the victim is scheduled for Friday morning, May 9, 2025, and police have interviewed approximately 20 witnesses thus far. They have also collected surveillance footage from the scene, which may provide further insights into the events leading up to the attack.
In a statement regarding the response to the attack, Szumiata emphasized the rapid actions of the police, who were able to apprehend the suspect swiftly. He noted that the initial aggression displayed by Mieszko required the use of direct coercion measures, including a straitjacket and a protective helmet, to ensure the safety of officers and others present.
Moreover, the incident has sparked discussions regarding campus safety. Nowak mentioned that he is in talks to enhance security measures at Polish universities, ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again. "We cannot allow this incident, if one could say so, to be in vain," he remarked.
The public's reaction has been mixed, with many expressing disbelief over the violent act occurring in a place of learning. The rapid spread of videos taken by bystanders during the attack has also raised ethical questions about public responsibility in emergency situations. Szumiata criticized those who filmed rather than intervened, stating, "It is perhaps the most frightening and disturbing aspect that so few wanted to help."
As the university community mourns the loss of a valued member, the investigation continues to unfold, with authorities committed to uncovering the truth behind this shocking crime. The events of May 7 will likely leave a lasting impact on the University of Warsaw and its students, prompting a reevaluation of safety protocols and community responsibility in times of crisis.
