Antonio Tejero Molina, the lieutenant colonel of the Civil Guard who infamously stormed the Lower House of Spain armed on February 23, 1981, in an attempt to overthrow the government, passed away today, as announced by his family's lawyer on social media. Coincidentally, Spanish authorities released classified documents related to the 1981 coup, shedding light on an event that shook the young Spanish democracy just a few years after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Tejero Molina was 93 years old at the time of his passing and became notorious for his role in the coup where he took members of parliament hostage while tanks patrolled the streets of Valencia. His image, complete with a thick mustache, gun in hand, and a distinctive three-cornered hat, remains a potent symbol in Spain's historical narrative of attempted military intervention in its political system. This event was notably attempted 'in the name of the king,' however, King Juan Carlos I played a crucial role in quelling the coup attempt the same night.

The release of the secret documents coinciding with Tejero's death provides an important opportunity for revisiting the circumstances surrounding the coup attempt, further contextualizing the turbulent period of transition Spain underwent towards democracy. Tejero's legacy, steeped in controversy, reflects a challenging chapter in Spanish history that still resonates in contemporary discussions about democracy and military influence in politics.