A disturbance unfolded at Barcelona airport as a man caused alarm by shouting “jihadist slogans” and discarding a backpack. Holidaymakers hurriedly evacuated the area, leading to at least two individuals receiving medical attention for panic attacks.
Law enforcement intervened by detaining the man with the assistance of airport personnel, prompting the deployment of bomb disposal specialists for precautionary measures. However, subsequent assessments revealed no explosives within the bag.
The situation gradually normalized post the incident, occurring at the airport’s T2 terminal around 7:30 pm. Additional support from the regional Mossos d’Esquadra police force was mobilized to aid the Civil Guard in managing the unfolding scenario.
The individual responsible for the disruption was apprehended. Although initially identified as a national from the Dominican Republic, authorities later disclosed his true identity as a 23-year-old from Honduras. Investigation efforts have yet to yield a clear motive for his actions, ruling out any terrorist connections.
A spokesperson from the Civil Guard in Barcelona detailed the events, indicating that the suspect began shouting jihadist-like phrases before being subdued by airport security staff. Despite the alarming nature of his behavior, no credible terror threat was identified. Subsequently, the individual was recommended for psychiatric evaluation.
Highlighting the impact of such incidents, a police source emphasized the fear instilled among travelers due to the man’s disruptive actions, underscoring the swift response that ultimately dispelled any terrorist concerns.
This incident echoes past events in Barcelona, such as a 2019 arrest involving a man threatening police with violence and a recent stabbing case where the assailant invoked jihadist rhetoric before a fatal attack.