Two people were killed and several others injured in a series of attacks across Barcelona and the surrounding area over the weekend of May 2-3.
Initial Attack in Esplugues de Llobregat
The first attack occurred on Saturday, May 2nd, before noon in Esplugues de Llobregat, a town bordering Barcelona. Emergency services responded to reports of a knife attack on a street.
The assailant fatally stabbed a woman and lightly injured a man before fleeing the scene. Police apprehended the suspect approximately one hour later.
No Terrorist Motive Suspected
Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, suspect the attacker may have been experiencing a psychotic episode, according to Barcelona newspaper “La Vanguardia.”
Catalan Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, has ruled out a terrorist motive, stating the suspect appears to be an individual in a state of agitation with problems unrelated to jihad.
Disinformation Addressed
Parlon’s statement addresses false information circulating on social media claiming the attacker shouted Islamist slogans during the attack, as reported by neighbors. Catalan police, after speaking with witnesses, denied these reports.
The investigation is being led by the investigative court in Esplugues, rather than the Central Information Unit, which handles terrorism-related cases.
Second Fatal Stabbing in Barcelona
In the night of May 2nd-3rd, another fatal stabbing occurred in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. A minor attacked a man with a knife shortly before midnight.
The victim was transported to a hospital where he died. The perpetrator was arrested.
Additional Incidents Reported
Over the same weekend, two other incidents were reported: a brawl in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, resulting in serious injuries to one person, and an attack on Plaça de Catalunya, where one person was injured.
