On the evening of May 7, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the University of Warsaw, marking a dark day for the academic community. A 22-year-old law student, armed with an ax, launched a brutal attack on the campus, resulting in the death of a female employee and serious injuries to a university security guard.
The attack occurred around 18:40 near the Auditorium Maximum, where the victim, a 53-year-old porter, was reportedly closing the building. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with the victim suffering numerous wounds to her limbs, head, and abdomen, ultimately succumbing to her injuries on-site. Some reports suggest that the woman may have been a random victim, while others indicate a possible prior conflict between her and the attacker.
In the immediate aftermath, the perpetrator was subdued by university security personnel, aided by a nearby officer from the State Protection Service (SOP). As the chaos unfolded, Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar was present on campus, attending open lectures that had begun earlier in the afternoon. Upon hearing the commotion, he was safely evacuated from the area by his security detail.
In a statement released after the incident, Bodnar expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and the university community. "I am deeply moved by today’s macabre event at the University of Warsaw. I extend my sympathies to the relatives of the deceased and the entire university community. I wish a swift recovery to the injured security guard," he said.
Witnesses reported that the attacker displayed aggressive behavior during the arrest, attempting to wield the ax against those who intervened. A video circulating online captured the aftermath, showing the victim lying in a pool of blood, while the assailant was being restrained by university guards. The chilling footage has raised concerns about safety on campus, a place typically regarded as secure.
Colonel Bogusław Piórkowski from the SOP confirmed the involvement of his officers in the response, noting that one officer provided first aid to the injured guard. "Our officers were conducting protective actions at the university when they heard screams. One of them ran to the scene and assisted the university guards in subduing the attacker," he explained.
As the investigation continues, the police have confirmed the arrest of the 22-year-old suspect, who is currently in custody pending further questioning. The prosecutor's office has stated that additional information will be shared after a thorough investigation, expected to be updated at a press conference in the coming days.
In light of this tragedy, the University of Warsaw has declared May 8, 2025, as a day of mourning. All classes have been canceled, and the university community is encouraged to reflect on the violence that has permeated academic spaces. The rector and the university board released a statement expressing their condolences and emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of such a shocking act.
Students and faculty alike are grappling with the emotional fallout of the attack. Many shared their grief and disbelief, highlighting the stark contrast between the usual calm of the campus and the violence that erupted. "This is a shock for all of us; it feels surreal that something like this could happen here," said Daria Brzezicka, a student activist at the university.
Reports indicate that the attacker had been exhibiting erratic behavior prior to the incident, with witnesses describing him as hallucinating and seeming unstable. This troubling detail raises questions about mental health support and campus security measures.
As the university community mourns the loss of a colleague and processes the trauma of the event, discussions surrounding campus safety and mental health resources are likely to intensify. The university's administration is expected to address these concerns in the wake of the tragedy.
This incident follows a disturbing trend of violence in educational institutions, prompting calls for enhanced security protocols and mental health interventions. As the investigation unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the university responds to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and staff.
In the coming days, the university plans to hold meetings to discuss the incident and explore ways to improve safety on campus. The community is united in its grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.
