Ostrołęka school attacker charged with nine counts, faces life in prison

District prosecutors have brought nine charges against 19-year-old Jakub Z., who on 7 October attacked pupils and teachers at Vocational School Complex No. 4 in Ostrołęka. Six of them are attempted murder: five pupils and two teachers are named as victims.

Another charge is attempted murder of many people using explosives, for motives deserving particular condemnation; here a female teacher and ten pupils are named as victims. According to prosecutors, a homemade explosive device was in the backpack: the backpack began to smoke in a computer classroom, it was thrown out of the window and was taken by bomb disposal specialists.

He is also charged with threats against two school employees and attempted murder of two random passers-by. The suspect admitted guilt and gave testimony, but, according to prosecutors, it did not directly concern the charges brought.

In all, nine people were hurt: five pupils, two teachers and two passers-by. As of Thursday, their lives are not in danger.