In a tragic incident that unfolded on the evening of May 7, 2025, the University of Warsaw became the scene of a horrific attack when a 22-year-old law student fatally attacked a university porter with an ax. The assault occurred around 18:40 in front of the Auditorium Maximum, a central building on the campus, where the victim, a 53-year-old female employee, was closing the facility after classes.
The attack not only claimed the life of the porter but also left a security guard seriously injured as he attempted to intervene. Despite the guard's efforts, the situation escalated quickly, resulting in the tragic death of the university staff member at the scene. The guard, however, is reported to be in stable condition and is expected to recover.
Authorities swiftly apprehended the perpetrator, who has been identified as a Polish citizen from Gdynia. Prosecutor Piotr Antoni Skiba confirmed during an interview with TVN24 that the attacker is indeed a student at the University of Warsaw, stating, "The perpetrator is our student." This revelation has shocked the university community, which is grappling with the implications of such a violent act committed by one of its own.
In the aftermath of the attack, the university's rector, Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the personal loss felt by the community. "This is the worst event to have occurred at the University of Warsaw and other universities since World War II," he stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Professor Nowak also revealed that the victim was a mother of three children, further deepening the tragedy for those who knew her. He extended condolences to her family and assured that the university would provide support in any way possible. "We will do everything to take care of them," he promised, reflecting the institution's commitment to its community during this difficult time.
As the news broke, misinformation began circulating on social media, falsely suggesting that the attacker was of Ukrainian descent. This disinformation was primarily propagated by a post from a source known for spreading anti-Ukrainian narratives. Despite the official confirmation of the perpetrator's Polish nationality, the post garnered over 100,000 views before being removed, and many continued to perpetuate the false narrative.
Social media users quickly seized upon the opportunity to spread anti-Ukrainian sentiment, with some claiming that a specific Ukrainian individual was responsible for the attack. These assertions persisted even after law enforcement clarified that the attacker was a Polish student. "Despite the prosecutor's statements, some individuals are still convinced that the act was committed by a Ukrainian," noted Wojtek Kardyś, a social media specialist, who commented on the alarming polarization and spread of fake news surrounding the tragedy.
Comments on social media reflected a disturbing trend of scapegoating, with many users expressing aggressive sentiments toward Ukrainians and linking the attack to broader geopolitical tensions. Posts referenced historical grievances, with one user stating, "Remember to be cautious of Ukrainians. They venerate those who committed atrocities against Polish women and children in Volhynia." Such rhetoric underscores the dangerous potential of misinformation to incite division and hostility within society.
In light of the attack, the University of Warsaw has declared May 8, 2025, a day of mourning, with all classes canceled as a mark of respect for the victim and her family. The rector's decision reflects the profound impact of the tragedy on the university community, as students and faculty alike process the loss.
The incident has sparked discussions about campus safety and security, particularly in light of the open-access nature of the university, which allows anyone to enter the campus without security checks. The university is now reviewing its security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, the university community remains in mourning, grappling with the implications of this senseless act of violence. The attack has not only resulted in a tragic loss of life but has also raised significant concerns about safety and the potential for misinformation to exacerbate tensions within society.
The broader implications of this incident are yet to be fully understood, but it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against both violence and the spread of false narratives. As the university seeks to heal and move forward, it is essential for the community to come together in solidarity, supporting one another in the face of tragedy.
