Barcelona: Shooting Outside Police Station

A man was fatally shot in the head early Wednesday morning in Barcelona, near a National Police station. The incident took place around 10:00 AM local time on Carrer de Balmes, a central street in the city.

The shooter fled the scene immediately after the attack, which occurred in front of the National Police's identity and passport issuing office. The Catalan police, Mossos d’Esquadra, have taken charge of the investigation, with their forensic research division examining the scene.

Authorities have obtained images of the suspect and recovered the weapon used in the crime. A manhunt is currently underway to locate and apprehend the individual. Barcelona is reportedly on high alert due to an upcoming papal visit.

This shooting follows another fatal incident just three days prior, on Sunday, when a man was killed in the Zona Franca area. Local media, citing authorities, suggest that investigators are exploring the possibility that the two incidents may be related to a settling of scores within the drug trafficking trade.