A mass shooting occurred shortly before 23:00 local time on May 18, 2026, in El Ejido, near Almería in southern Spain [1, 2]. Authorities confirmed that two people were killed in the attack and four others were injured and hospitalized, including a seven-month-old baby and an 18-month-old child [1, 2, 3, 4]. Two of the injured are minors under 18 years old [3, 4].
The suspect is a 25-year-old man who allegedly killed his parents during the shooting and injured his own son among others targeted [1, 2, 4]. Police detained him after he briefly fled the scene and later surrendered at a local police station. He was arrested around 4:00 a.m. on May 19 by specialist police units [1, 2].
Officials said the suspect did not hold a gun license [2]. The motive remains under investigation but early indications suggest it may be linked to domestic violence [2, 4]. The two deceased victims were related to the suspect [3, 4].
Mass shootings are rare in Spain, given its low firearm homicide rate and strict gun control laws [1, 2]. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and the suspect’s background.
The investigation is ongoing as police seek to clarify the motive and sequence of events that led to the violence on the night of May 18.
