A fatal shooting occurred at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), one of Spain’s busiest airports, after a man allegedly threatened a taxi driver with a knife and charged at police officers. Here’s a breakdown of the incident, the response, and the ongoing investigation.

The Incident Unfolds

According to the Jefatura Superior de Policía de Canarias and eyewitness accounts, the incident began when the suspect approached a taxi driver near the bus stop outside the terminal. The man allegedly threatened the driver with a large knife, prompting the driver to flee into the terminal building, shouting for help and alerting airport personnel and travelers.

Police Response and Use of Force

national Police units quickly responded to the scene and located the armed man in the vicinity. Officers repeatedly ordered the suspect to drop the weapon. However, the man did not comply and instead charged at the officers with the knife, according to police sources. This action lead to the use of regulated firearm force.

During the altercation, one officer slipped and fell, at which point the attacker lunged at him. A colleague then discharged his weapon to prevent further harm, resulting in the suspect being shot multiple times.

Weapon and Threat Assessment

The attacker was armed with a knife featuring a 20-centimeter blade. Security sources indicated that the man made physical attempts to stab police officers, which was a decisive factor in their use of lethal force. Surveillance footage from the airport captured the incident and will be reviewed as part of the investigation.

Emergency and Forensic Response

Emergency responders from both airport security and the Servicio Canario de Salud arrived swiftly and attempted resuscitation. Despite their efforts, the man was declared dead at the scene.His body remained at the location for over an hour as forensic and judicial teams documented the scene.

Police units from the Policía Judicial, the Brigada de Policía Científica, and the Homicide Division were deployed instantly. A judicial commission has also been activated to supervise the investigation. Authorities have not officially released the deceased’s identity.

Public impact and Safety Concerns

The shooting occurred in a high-traffic area frequented by passengers and staff. Witnesses expressed concern over the potential for stray bullets or accidental injuries during the police operation. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported.

This event is considered a meaningful security incident due to its location and timing. The presence of many witnesses has aided investigators in compiling multiple testimonies.

Contextual Background

Airport Activity

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is a major hub servicing both inter-island and international flights. Key statistics from 2023 include:

• Passenger volume: 13.9 million
• Daily average: Approximately 38,000 travelers
• Peak tourist seasons: Winter months and summer holidays
• Public access points: Ground-level areas for buses, taxis, and car rentals are key interfaces for passenger movement

Crime Statistics

While crime rates in and around gran Canaria Airport remain relatively low, opportunistic crimes do occur. Relevant statistics include:

• Robbery reports in Gran Canaria (2023): 1,047
• Crimes involving weapons in the Canary Islands (2023): Rose by 6.8% year-on-year
• Police use of firearms in Spain: Strictly regulated; rarely employed unless in direct threat scenarios

Legal and Operational Protocol

Spanish police are authorized to use firearms only under exceptional circumstances involving direct and immediate threats.Officers are required to follow de-escalation procedures, including verbal warnings, before resorting to lethal force. All such incidents are subject to judicial and internal review.

The regulations surrounding police use of firearms in Spain are stringent. As stated by legal experts:

Officers are expected to exhaust all non-lethal options before resorting to firearms. The use of force must be proportional to the threat.
Legal Analyst, El Pais

Ongoing Investigation

The Policía Nacional and associated forensic teams continue their investigation. Security footage, forensic data, witness accounts, and officer statements will be examined to determine whether the use of force adhered to legal standards. A full judicial review is underway.

Further developments will be reported as official updates become available.

Sources: Policía nacional, Ministerio del Interior, AENA, La Provincia, Canarias Ahora, eyewitness accounts.