A man died after being shot in the head on Balmes Street in Barcelona’s Eixample district on Wednesday morning. The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police force, are investigating the incident, which happened close to a National Police office that issues DNI cards and passports.
According to police sources, surveillance cameras from the police station recorded the shooting. Witnesses said they heard a single gunshot, and the victim suffered at least one fatal shot to the head.
The assailant fled towards Via Augusta, leaving behind a bicycle helmet and a pistol, believed to be the murder weapon, at a bus stop. A mobile phone was also found at the scene. Witnesses said a man approached the victim and shot him from behind. The attacker reportedly tried to fire again, but ran down Granada del Penedès street after realising he had been seen, given the nearby police station and people on surrounding terraces.
Those who saw him described him as wearing a beige polo shirt and a bicycle helmet. Forensic police and investigators from the Mossos’ Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) remain at the scene, carrying out checks, while judicial authorities have also arrived. The victim’s body is covered by security fences as the investigation continues.
This is the second fatal shooting in Barcelona in a matter of days. Last Sunday, a man was also killed by gunfire in the Zona Franca area. Mossos d’Esquadra are investigating that case as a revenge killing linked to drug trafficking.
The shooting also comes during the Pope’s visit to Catalonia, with scheduled stops at Brians prison and Montserrat. For more local coverage, see our news page.
