Polish schools face knife attacks as government and opposition clash over safety response

Poland experienced two recent school-related knife attacks. In Ostrołęka, a 19-year-old assailant used a knife on nine people and was found carrying a homemade explosive device. The following day, a 15-year-old attacked three individuals in Leszczydole-Nowiny, killing a 37-year-old caretaker despite prolonged resuscitation; the attacker wore a helmet equipped with a camera.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged the government to employ all state resources to limit the risk of further violence, warned of potential copycats, and noted that such incidents are amplified online. He also reminded listeners of a president-vetoed internet-safety legislation that parliament will reconsider. PiS vice president Przemysław Czarnek responded that tragedies should not become tools for political battles, criticized the government for failing to continue psychological-support funding, and highlighted staffing vacancies of nearly 40% at the Centralne Biuro Zwalczania Cyberprzestępczości, as well as long waiting times for psychiatric care under the NFZ.