Arrest in Warsaw

Police in Poland arrested a 35‑year‑old man on Thursday evening in Warsaw, after receiving credible intelligence that he was planning an assassination of Prime Minister Donald Tusk and defence minister Jarosław Kaczyński. The suspect, identified as Michał Nowak, was taken into custody at a police station on Świętokrzyska Street.

The arrest followed a warning from the national security agency that an individual had been identified as a threat to the country’s leaders. According to a statement from the Interior Minister, the police acted on the information within hours, preventing a potential attack.

“We are grateful to the intelligence services for their vigilance,” the Interior Minister said. “The suspect was apprehended without incident.”

Details of the alleged plot

Sources close to the investigation say that Nowak had been planning an attack for several months, with a timetable that included the upcoming European Parliament election campaign. The suspect reportedly had access to firearms and had been seen at a shooting range near the capital.

Police seized a small cache of weapons, including a handgun and ammunition, from the suspect’s apartment. The authorities have also recovered a notebook containing notes on the planned target and the method of the attack.

The Interior Minister added that the police are still assessing whether other individuals were involved. No further arrests have been reported.

Political fallout and security response

The detention has heightened tensions in a country already facing internal political divisions. Opposition parties condemned the alleged plot as evidence of a growing threat to democracy, while Tusk’s allies praised the police for acting swiftly.

Security services across Europe have reportedly increased cooperation with Polish counterparts, with a spokesperson for the European Union saying that the incident underscores the need for robust counter‑terrorism measures.

Prime Minister Tusk has not yet issued a statement. The defence minister is expected to address Parliament later in the week.

Historical context and future implications

Poland has experienced a number of political crises in recent years, with the ruling Law and Justice party and the opposition Tusk‑led Civic Platform at odds over constitutional reforms and media regulation. The country has also faced criticism from the European Union over judicial independence and rule‑of‑law concerns.

Experts say that an assassination attempt against a head of government could destabilise the political landscape and undermine public confidence in the state’s institutions.

Law and order officials in Warsaw have announced that they will review and strengthen security protocols for all high‑profile political figures. The European Union is expected to convene an emergency meeting of security agencies in the coming days.

"The suspect was apprehended without incident," the Interior Minister said.

With the election campaign underway, the incident will likely influence public debate on national security and political accountability. The next parliamentary session is scheduled for early next month.