On 8 August 2024, authorities placed the city of Barcelona on a temporary lockdown following the return of Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who addressed a rally and fled the scene. Police officers have set up roadblocks throughout the city, causing widespread traffic disruptions. Thousands of Puigdemont’s supporters had gathered at Ciutadella Park in Barcelona to listen to his speech and formed a human barrier around him. Police officers fired tear gas toward the attendees in response. An undisclosed number of people suffered injuries in the subsequent clashes. A large number of police officers equipped with riot gear are currently deployed throughout Barcelona as the pursuit for Puigdemont continues.