On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, shortly before 19:00, a tragic incident unfolded at the University of Warsaw, resulting in the death of a 53-year-old porter and leaving a security worker critically injured. The attacker, a 22-year-old law student at the university, reportedly assaulted the woman with an axe as she was closing the doors to the Auditorium Maximum.
The attack occurred around 18:40, and according to police reports, the woman suffered numerous cuts and lacerations to her body, which ultimately led to her death. Paramedics arrived on the scene but were unable to save her. Meanwhile, a 39-year-old security worker who attempted to intervene was also attacked and sustained serious injuries, including cuts to both hands and his head. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Witnesses described the perpetrator as behaving irrationally during the attack. According to reports from Super Express, he seemed disoriented and was not acting nervously, which added to the shocking nature of the event. After the assault, the attacker did not flee the scene; instead, he surrendered to law enforcement officers who arrived shortly after.
In the aftermath of this horrific event, the University of Warsaw has taken immediate action. Classes scheduled for Thursday, May 8, have been canceled, and a day of mourning has been declared across the campus. The university community is grappling with the emotional fallout from this tragedy, which has deeply affected students and faculty alike.
Furthermore, the Juwenalia event, a traditional celebration held annually in May, has also been canceled in light of the circumstances. Organizers announced that no new date has been set for the festivities, stating, "Due to the unimaginable tragedy that has struck our community, we inform you that Juwenalia will not take place as planned. We will provide further information as it becomes available." This sentiment reflects the somber mood that has enveloped the university.
As the investigation unfolds, the prosecutor's office has scheduled procedural actions with the suspect for the afternoon of May 8 at the District Prosecutor's Office in Śródmieście-North. Prosecutor Piotr Antoni Skiba confirmed that the assailant is a Polish citizen and not a resident of Warsaw. He further stated that the investigation is ongoing, with police and prosecutors working diligently to gather evidence, including reviewing security footage from the campus.
In a public statement, the university's rector expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, emphasizing the community's shared grief. "Today, our university community has been struck by a tremendous tragedy. Our colleague, a university employee, was brutally murdered. The perpetrator has been apprehended. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim," the rector stated.
In response to the incident, the campus has been filled with black flags as a sign of mourning. The university community is invited to participate in a memorial ceremony scheduled for Thursday, May 8, at 13:00, in front of the Auditorium Maximum. This event will include representatives from the Rector's College, the Dean's College of the Faculty of Law and Administration, and student government representatives from the university.
This tragic event has raised numerous questions about the safety and security of university campuses. As students and faculty reflect on the violence that erupted in what is typically a place of learning and community, discussions about mental health resources and security measures are likely to intensify.
As the community mourns, it is clear that the impact of this incident will be felt for a long time. The University of Warsaw, known for its rich history and vibrant student life, now faces the challenge of healing and moving forward in the wake of such a devastating loss.
The police have confirmed that they are treating the incident as a serious criminal matter and will provide updates as the investigation progresses. The community is urged to come together during this difficult time, supporting one another as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
