A young man has been detained in Lleida after allegedly shooting at a supermarket and promoting attacks on Pakistani citizens. This incident highlights rising tensions among local communities.
A 19-year-old man was arrested by the Mossos d’Esquadra in Lleida after he reportedly fired a compressed air gun multiple times at a supermarket, injuring two individuals. The police have linked him to social media posts that allegedly encouraged violence against Pakistani citizens and law enforcement officers.
The arrest comes amid escalating tensions between groups of young people from various nationalities, primarily North African youths and minors, and local Pakistani and Hindu merchants. Mayor Fèlix Larrosa attributed the unrest to personal disputes among those involved, while business owners from both communities have reported ongoing thefts, assaults, and vandalism targeting their shops.
Tensions peaked over the weekend when approximately fifty members of the Pakistani community gathered with the intent to confront those they believed were responsible for recent disturbances. These protests led to increased police presence from both the Mossos d’Esquadra and the Guardia Urbana in neighborhoods such as Balàfia, Pardinyes, and Clot.
The incidents involving the arrested youth began on Sunday afternoon when a citizen alerted public order officers about a live social media broadcast where he was seen inciting violence against Pakistanis and police members. Officers recognized him as someone previously identified during an earlier incident.
Later that night, a group of young men confronted an Indian citizen on Girona Street, hurling racist insults that forced him to seek refuge inside a nearby supermarket owned by acquaintances. Following this confrontation, some individuals caused damage to the store while one person discharged a BB gun, hitting two men inside.
Upon arrival of law enforcement, many participants fled on foot or scooters. However, police managed to apprehend another suspect—a 15-year-old minor—for public disorder during this chaotic scene.
The following day, victims filed formal complaints along with medical reports detailing their injuries. They provided screenshots of social media posts believed to be made by the shooter. Investigators confirmed that these posts matched the profile of the individual who had previously streamed live incitements to violence.
The arrested 19-year-old faces charges including bodily harm, public disorder, property damage, threats against fundamental rights and freedoms. Authorities believe he played a leadership role within his group during these events.
This incident is part of an ongoing investigation into recent clashes that have already resulted in around ten arrests related to these altercations. Most detainees were released after questioning at police stations or before judges.
The detained young man will appear before the duty court in Lleida shortly as investigations continue into identifying additional participants involved in these violent encounters.
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