The National Audience (AN) will investigate a jihadist terrorism case involving an individual who caused panic on Holy Wednesday at the Màgic shopping center in Badalona by breaking the window of a fast-food chain with a machete. This has been confirmed by the Catalan High Court of Justice in a statement, which notes that the Badalona court’s magistrate has referred the case to the AN, the body responsible for handling investigations related to jihadist terrorism. The transfer underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat suspected extremist acts and the role of national prosecutors in coordinating cases that involve potential international or transnational extremist networks. As a matter of procedure, the AN will oversee the investigation from this point forward, ensuring that the case adheres to the standards required for handling terrorism-related offenses and that any evidentiary considerations are aligned with both national security requirements and due process protections for the accused.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. last Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of the cinema complex within the mall and the lowering of store shutters as a precaution. An off-duty officer from the Mossos d’Esquadra, Spain’s autonomous police force, witnessed the event and helped restrain the attacker alongside a security guard from the Màgic. A later patrol from the Catalan police detained the suspect. The rapid response by local law enforcement officials helped prevent further harm and contained the immediate threat, while the joint effort between a sworn officer and a private security professional highlighted the integrated approach to public safety in crowded commercial areas. The case is being reviewed in light of potential jihadist motives, with investigators examining whether the incident was premeditated, whether the attacker had a broader support network, and what online or offline indicators may have connected the act to a larger extremist agenda. The official narrative notes that the events are under careful scrutiny as investigators piece together timelines, prior communications, and any material that could demonstrate intent or affiliation with a terrorist organization.
Until the legal process advances, the suspect remains in provisional detention, custody without bail, a measure issued by the Badalona court magistrate. The ongoing pretrial phase focuses on gathering and evaluating evidence, securing rights for the accused, and determining whether additional charges or expansion of the case to include other potential conspirators are warranted. In cases involving suspected jihadist activity, authorities typically examine digital footprints, travel histories, and any associations with groups or sympathizers that could indicate a network. They also weigh the potential impact on public safety and residence near high-traffic commercial centers to guide continued protective steps for communities and to inform risk assessments at similar venues. The outcome of the investigation will inform both national security strategies and local policing practices, illustrating how regional and national agencies coordinate when a suspected act of terrorism intersects with everyday life in busy urban spaces. Attribution for these developments is provided by the court and law enforcement agencies involved in the case, with ongoing updates anticipated as more facts become available.