A youth gang from Bilbao, known as G9, is reportedly behind the assault on two local police officers in Plentzia on Sunday. This group is described as one of the most active in the Basque Country, having been involved in various violent incidents in recent months.
The incident resulted in the arrest of two individuals around 20 years old and the imputation of two minors for charges including assaulting a public authority and threats. Among those investigated is a 15-year-old of African origin, allegedly responsible for several thefts on the beach, which triggered the police intervention. All reside in the capital of Bizkaia.
The events unfolded around 6:30 PM when a witness identified the teenager as the perpetrator of thefts on the beach. When officers attempted to identify him, his companions intervened, attacking the two policemen, who subsequently requested backup from the Ertzaintza (Basque Police) as they were surrounded by about twenty individuals.
Several participants in the assault on the officers – one of whom is on medical leave due to injuries sustained – are members of the G9 group. This gang comprises youths from diverse backgrounds, including North African, Sub-Saharan, and local individuals, according to police reports. They have been involved in numerous fights and violent incidents recently, extending beyond Bizkaia, often in clashes with other youth groups.
The Plentzia incident has prompted a discussion about the resources available to coastal municipalities, whose populations swell during the summer, particularly on weekends coinciding with heatwaves. The mayor of Plentzia, Aitor Garagarza, emphasized the need for a "deeper societal reflection" and suggested "reviewing" the role of 'hondartzainas' (beach lifeguards/patrols) and "giving it substance."
Union sources within the Basque police force identify the "root problem" as a "lack of personnel," stressing that it is "impossible" to guarantee the security of a town like Plentzia with only two officers on duty per shift. Reinforcements are typically deployed during holiday periods in these locations.
However, the reality is that "there are only enough officers to cover shifts with a couple of agents" who must handle all types of incidents, "putting their own physical integrity at risk," according to these sources. Unions warn that, as seen in Plentzia or in Etxebarri two weeks ago, violent groups show increasing disrespect for authority, which they argue "cannot be solved by sending just two officers to an incident."
