Marbella Residents Express Concern Over Rising Violence
Residents of Marbella have expressed their apprehension about the future of the tourism industry in the wake of the recent shooting in Puerto Banus. This incident marks the fourth shooting in the area within a span of 30 days, sparking fears of more violence in the upcoming summer months.
Locals React to the Recent Shootings
In response to a video of the latest shooting, a local resident expressed their dismay, stating that Marbella’s reputation as a top European destination for 2024 is in jeopardy. Another resident voiced their concern that the escalating violence could deter tourists during the Semana Santa holiday, affecting the livelihoods of those who rely on the tourism industry. A third resident likened the situation to the lawlessness of the wild west, warning that the ongoing violence could have a detrimental impact on Marbella’s businesses.
Recent Shootings in Marbella: A Timeline
The most recent shooting occurred at around 1:30 am on Saturday, March 16, when a 20-year-old man was injured near a shisha bar at the entrance of the upscale port. A video of the incident shows up to 15 gunshots being fired, with a man seen running for his life and bystanders screaming in fear. The injured man was immediately taken to the hospital for knee surgery.
On March 11, two men on a Honda motorbike fired shots from a roundabout in Banus, hitting the glass wall of a popular restaurant. On February 10, a man was shot in the area of Nueva Andalucia, sustaining injuries to an arm and a leg. The attack, which occurred at 11:15 pm, was not fatal and is believed to have been a warning. Two days later, on February 12, gunshots were once again fired in Nueva Andalucia, but no injuries were reported. Witnesses reported that the shots were fired around 1 am and the perpetrators fled the scene in a car.
Marbella’s Reputation at Stake
The recent spate of shootings has led to the coining of the term ‘GTA Marbella’, a reference to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto known for its violent content. A British resident expressed their sadness over the escalating chaos in what was once considered a safe haven. Both locals and expats have taken to social media to express their outrage and concern over the recent string of shootings.
