The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court considers that there is sufficient evidence that Hamza Warris “fulfilled” the “jihadist postulates” when he entered the Màgic de Badalona shopping center (Barcelona) on March 27th, during Holy Week, armed with a large axe, causing a situation of “terror” and “collective hysteria” as he attacked a McDonald’s display case. The investigation carried out by the Mossos has led the prosecutor to conclude that the case should proceed as a terrorism offense and that the National Court should now take over the case. The lead prosecutor, Raquel de Miguel, has informed the National Court judge Joaquín Gadea of her position regarding the case. The case initially began in a court in Badalona, where Warris’ home was searched and he was remanded in custody, where he remains. However, evidence of jihadist activity led to the case being referred to the National Court, which has jurisdiction over terrorism cases. Judge Gadea is now considering whether to keep the case.
The attack occurred on the afternoon of March 27th when Hamza Warris, a Pakistani national, entered the Màgic de Badalona shopping center. Warris, allegedly a jihadist, was wearing a Palestinian scarf on his head as a prelude to the attack and was armed with a large axe. Despite the shopping center being full of people at around 7:30 pm, he entered a McDonald’s and began swinging the axe, causing damage to a display case and shattering a window. A bystander managed to subdue him by dodging his attacks with the axe. Warris told the Mossos his motivations for the attack, stating, “Today I saw a video of children being killed in Palestine and that’s why I attacked McDonald’s because it is American.” This suggests that his actions may have been in retaliation for US support of Israel in its attacks on Gaza, resulting in many deaths.
During the search of his home, authorities found evidence that Warris had been consuming jihadist propaganda and preparing to join the fight in some capacity. It is believed that he initially planned to travel to Palestine to fight against Israel, but the video he watched on March 27th prompted him to take immediate action. The prosecutor’s office views the attack as an individual or solitary violent act carried out in fulfillment of jihadist ideologies. The Mossos continue to investigate Warris’ background and any potential plans for further actions. The National Court prosecutor’s office believes that the evidence gathered so far indicates a possible crime of integration or collaboration with a terrorist organization.
There are still ongoing investigations by the Mossos to shed light on Warris’ trajectory and any possible planned actions. The Public Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court views the attack as a violent act carried out in fulfillment of jihadist ideologies, and continues to gather evidence to build a case of potential involvement with a terrorist organization. The investigation into Warris’ background and motivations for the attack on the Màgic de Badalona mall in Barcelona continues. Authorities will continue to work to ensure accountability for his actions and any potential ties to terrorist networks.
