Violent unrest erupted in Bilbao, Spain, on October 26, 2026, as cars and other objects were set on fire during demonstrations linked to a planned appearance by right-wing influencer Vito Quiles. Footage circulating online reportedly showed vehicles burning in the city’s Deusto district as tensions escalated between protesters and police. Quiles had planned to hold an event near the University of Deusto, but Basque police warned of a high risk of disturbances, prompting the event’s cancellation. The university also suspended activities and closed its campus as a precaution amid concerns about possible violence. What began as demonstrations involving antifascist activists and students subsequently escalated, with hooded groups reportedly setting fire to around six cars, rubbish containers and a police motorcycle.

Authorities reportedly arrested 19 people in connection with the unrest, including several minors, as police responded to the fires and damage across the area. The incident highlights the tensions surrounding politically controversial public appearances in Spain, where demonstrations against far-right figures can draw counterprotests and heightened security measures. The decision to cancel Quiles’s event and close the university campus reflected concerns about public safety, although the precise circumstances surrounding individual acts of violence and the responsibility of those involved require confirmation from authorities. The burning of vehicles and damage to public property also raised concerns for local residents and businesses caught up in the disturbances. Investigations into the incidents are expected to focus on identifying those responsible for the fires and determining whether further charges will follow the arrests.