Donald Tusk warns of a “cult of violence” following knife attacks at Polish schools

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned on Thursday, October 8, about the spread of a “cult of violence” among young people, a phenomenon he attributes to the influence of social media, video games, and violent content on the internet. The statements were made after two recent knife attacks at schools in Poland, which left one person dead and several others injured.

Tusk argued that violence is also promoted through martial arts and contact sports shows involving celebrities, influencers, and public figures, organized for entertainment and viewership. The prime minister also spoke about a “copycat phenomenon,” which particularly affects boys experiencing a mental health crisis and exposed to group behaviors, including bullying.

The authorities announced an increase in police presence near schools. On October 7, in Ostrołęka, a 19-year-old man injured nine people. The following day, in Leszczydół-Nowiny, a 15-year-old teenager attacked three school employees. A 37-year-old woman died, while two other people were injured.

Police also foiled a possible third attack, detaining a 17-year-old teenager in Sierpc suspected of preparing an assault. Tusk criticized President Karol Nawrocki for rejecting a bill aimed at combating violence and hate speech on social media.