The 18-year-old man who was fatally shot by police outside the terminal at Gran Canaria Airport on Saturday afternoon, was struck by five bullets, one of which hit him in the neck, according to preliminary forensic findings.
Telde’s Investigative Court No. 2 has opened a formal inquiry into the shooting and is currently analysing footage from airport security cameras to determine the full sequence of events. The footage includes both interior and exterior views of the airport.
The High Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC) said the young man, who was allegedly wielding a large knife, appeared to be “out of control” and had attacked a taxi driver before knocking down a police officer and attempting to assault another.
CCTV reportedly shows him moving through a crowded area with the weapon, posing a serious threat to public safety.
The incident occurred at around 4:55p.m. outside the international terminal and was witnessed by numerous travellers, holidaymakers, and airport staff. The taxi driver, said to have been assaulted moments earlier, ran into the terminal shouting for help, triggering an immediate police response.
According to an official statement, officers on the scene ordered the man to drop the weapon several times. When he refused and allegedly charged at them, police opened fire “to neutralise the threat,” using their standard service firearms.
Despite the immediate arrival of emergency services and attempts to revive him, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The National Police remained at the airport for several hours following the incident. Officers from the Judicial Police, Forensic Police Brigade, and Homicide Unit conducted an extensive investigation, which is ongoing.
Authorities have yet to release the identity of the deceased or confirm whether he had any known mental health issues.
