A Moroccan man was shot at in Alicante, Spain, after a gunman shouted “Speak Spanish!” and hurled racist slurs before opening fire. The victim, who was enjoying a morning coffee outside a local bar, was not struck by any bullets, but several rounds penetrated his parked van.
Attack and Immediate Response
The incident occurred in broad daylight on the Costa Blanca. The victim reported that the attacker had subjected him to a torrent of racist abuse, including branding him “Moorish s***,” before discharging the firearm. Armed officers from the Policía Nacional launched an urgent manhunt.
Detectives tracked a suspicious vehicle to a nearby petrol station. When patrol cars moved in, the occupants attempted a getaway but were swiftly intercepted and boxed in by officers.
Arrests and Seizures
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a firearm loaded with two live cartridges. The main suspect faces charges of attempted murder, illegal weapons possession, causing damage, and a hate crime. He was arrested alongside an associate.
Armed raids were later executed across three linked properties, uncovering a major narcotics operation. Officers seized 3.7kg of marijuana, hashish, precision scales, €300 (£251) in cash, two bulletproof vests, and a samurai katana sword.
Broader Context
Four suspects—three Spanish nationals and one Moroccan national, aged between 19 and 44—have been detained. Two are facing additional drug trafficking charges as the investigation continues.
According to recent data, foreign nationals in Spain total roughly 7.2 million (14.8% of the population), while foreign-born residents exceed 10 million. Major groups come from Morocco, Colombia, Venezuela, and Romania. In late July, an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta following a ruling by the Spanish Supreme Court on border returns. Thousands were subsequently returned or deported to Morocco, drawing criticism from human rights groups like Amnesty International over recent deportations in October.
