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(UPDATE: August 17th @ 3:30 p.m.)
More than a dozen people are dead and as many as 100 injured after what the Catalan police have called a terrorist attack.
Two arrests have been made, according to the Catalan Government.
"Our Home Affairs minister will continue to give information regarding the incident and the investigation. So far there have been 2 arrests"
— Catalan Government (@catalangov) August 17, 2017
The Catalan government has also declared three days of mourning for the region in regards to the attack that took place on Thursday.
Government officials from around the world are sending their messages of support to Barcelona, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who released a statement saying that he is "deeply saddened by today's terrorist attack in Barcelona that has killed and injured so many innocent people."
Canada condemns today’s terror attack in Barcelona – our hearts, sympathies & support are with the victims and their families.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 17, 2017
He added, "Spain, we grieve with you and denounce hate and violence in all of its forms. Canada will continue working with the international community to fight terrorism and build a world where we can all feel safe and secure."
Michelle and I are thinking of the victims and their families in Barcelona. Americans will always stand with our Spanish friends. Un abrazo.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 17, 2017
The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
(Original Story: August 17th @ 9:50 a.m.)
Earlier on Thursday, August 16th, Catalan police reported that a vehicle drove into a crowd in Las Ramblas, a popular tourist area in central, Barcelona.
Police have reported several fatalities and injuries, but a number has not been released at this time.
"Someone in a van just ran over a lot of people near the Rambles in Barcelona. Possibly many wounded."—Catalan Police https://t.co/o62mCG7uVa
— Liz Castro (@lizcastro) August 17, 2017
Police are asking people to avoid the area.
Police also tweeted that a cause or motive of this attack is unknown and members of the force will address the media later today.
The Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy Brey, addressed the situation about one hour ago on Twitter.
En contacto con todas las administraciones. Prioridad: atender heridos en Las Ramblas y facilitar la labor de las Fuerzas de Seguridad. MR
— Mariano Rajoy Brey (@marianorajoy) August 17, 2017
Residents and tourists in Barcelona are shown in footage below, fleeing the streets in a scene of chaos.
Police confirm fatalities after vehicle hits crowd in Barcelona