Barcelona Terrorist Attack Kills Canadian, Wounds 4 Others

By: Laura Steiner

A terrorist attack that struck Barcelona, Spain on Thursday has claimed the life of one Canadian, while injuring four others.  “It was with great sadness that I learned today that one Canadian was killed and four others injured during yesterday’s cowardly terrorist attack in Barcelona,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in statement issued Friday.

The attack occurred in a well-known tourist area of the city at around 5 p.m. local time.  A white van crashed into Las Ramblas Blvd.  Media reports indicate the vehicle was trying to hit as many people as possible.  According to the Guardian, the driver is still at large.  ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack

A second attack happened hours later in Cambrils, west of the city.  Local police shot five suspects including the driver in the Barcelona attack.  “We join Spain and countries around the world in grieving the senseless loss of so many innocent people,” Trudeau said.  The attacks killed 13 people, while injuring 100 more.

Authorities believe the two attacks were carried by 12 men terrorist cell.  One of the Canadians has been identified by Canadian media outlets as Ian Moore Wilson.  His daughter Vancouver Police Department Staff Sergeant Fiona Wilson shared an extensive social media post thanking those who assisted her parents.  “My dad’s passing leaves an immense void in our tight-knit family.  He was desperately loved by us all and will be dearly missed,” Fiona said of her father.