Antonio Tejero Molina, a former lieutenant colonel of the Civil Guard, has died at the age of 93. He is best remembered as the figure who stormed the Spanish Parliament on February 23, 1981, in an attempted coup d'état, brandishing a gun and declaring '¡quieto todo el mundo!' (everyone freeze). His actions during the coup led to a significant moment in Spain's post-Franco transition to democracy. Tejero was later sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the rebellion but was released on parole after serving a portion of his sentence.

The announcement of Tejero's death coincides with the release of declassified documents related to the failed coup from the archives of Spain’s Defense, Interior, and Foreign ministries. These documents, now accessible through the La Moncloa website, shed light on the events surrounding the coup and the immediate aftermath as Spain struggled to maintain its fragile democracy. The timing of this announcement adds a layer of historical significance, as it brings renewed attention to the events of 1981, the repercussions of which are still felt in Spanish politics today.

Tejero's death takes place on February 25, 2026, and is a poignant reminder of a turbulent time in Spain’s history. The failed coup is often viewed as a pivotal moment that tested the resilience of Spain's democratic institutions. As discussions regarding Spain's political history recommence, Tejero’s role and the broader implications of the coup will likely resurface in public discourse, prompting reflections on the enduring legacy of this challenging period.