A series of attacks in and around Barcelona, Spain, left two people dead and several injured between May 2nd and May 3rd.
Initial Knife Attack in Esplugues de Llobregat
The first attack occurred on Saturday, May 2nd, in Esplugues de Llobregat, a town bordering Barcelona. Authorities responded to reports of a knife attack on a street.
The assailant fatally wounded a woman and lightly injured a man before fleeing the scene. Police apprehended the suspect approximately one hour later.
Catalan police, the Mossos d’Esquadra, suspect the attacker may have been experiencing a psychotic episode, according to the Barcelona newspaper “La Vanguardia.”
Authorities Rule Out Terrorism
Catalan Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, denied any terrorist motive behind the attack. She stated the suspect appeared to be “a person in a state of agitation, who probably has some problems unrelated to jihad,” as reported by “Vanguardia.”
This statement addressed false information circulating on social media claiming the attacker shouted Islamist slogans during the assault, a claim denied by police after speaking with witnesses.
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’s Gothic Quarter
Late Saturday night into Sunday, May 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 assailant was apprehended.
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.