Panic at Tenerife gym as man enters and threatens staff with a gun
A man was arrested in Tenerife this morning (Friday) after entering a gym in Santa Cruz armed with what appeared to be a firearm, sparking panic among early-morning staff and gym members.
The incident took place at approximately 8:15am at the VivaGym fitness centre in the Las Retamas area of the city. The man, believed to be in his 30s, stormed into the gym holding the weapon and pointed it at several instructors as well as at himself, according to reports from Televisión Canaria.
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene in which the man ordered one staff member to kneel while threatening him with the gun. The building was thrown into chaos as those present tried to take cover or flee.
Emergency security protocols were immediately activated, and the National Police were called to the scene. Officers arrived within minutes and began negotiating with the man before taking decisive action. By shortly after 9:00am, he was safely taken into custody.
Authorities later confirmed that the weapon in question was not real, though at the time it was indistinguishable from a genuine firearm.
No injuries were reported, but the psychological impact on those present was significant, with many expressing shock at the disturbing nature of the event.
The motive behind the incident remains unclear, and an investigation is underway.
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