Stabbing Near Historic Square Amidst Rising Knife Crime

Reports indicate that an individual was stabbed in the head by a person wielding a machete near Placa de Sant Jaume in Barcelona, Spain. A video circulating on social media platform X, which has not been independently confirmed, purportedly shows an armed man running through the streets as people flee in fear. The man is seen turning towards the camera, displaying the weapon. According to local media, one person was stabbed in the head. One individual has reportedly been arrested.

Plaça de Sant Jaume is a historic square located in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. It serves as the city's political center, housing both the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya and the Barcelona City Hall. The square has been a significant civic space since Roman times, originally the site of the ancient Forum. Today, it is used for official ceremonies, protests, and cultural events.

Knife-related crime in Barcelona has increased substantially in recent years. In 2024, police confiscated 3,371 knives, a 29% increase compared to the previous year. This reflects increased efforts to address the growing presence of bladed weapons in public areas. Authorities have identified 82 locations across the city where knife-related incidents are common, leading to increased patrols and the use of metal detectors during large events. A significant percentage of homicides in Barcelona now involve knives, highlighting the urgency of the city's efforts to combat this issue.