An American citizen, identified as Lacey Mrzena from Chicago, has been sanctioned after engaging in various reckless behaviors while dressed as the famous DC Comics villain. What started as a viral mystery on social media that puzzled both locals and strangers ended this Saturday under the weight of the law and a severe penalty from the Municipal Police.
The story of the "Joker of the Sanfermines" was brewing from the early days, capturing attention with his green mane and face covered in paint. However, the situation reached a critical point during the fifth running of Saturday, July 11, featuring the dangerous bulls from the José Escolar livestock. In a crowded race that resulted in sixteen medical assists, the runner decided to position himself at the final stretch of the route. After being trampled and gored by the bulls, the young man committed the most serious offense: he pulled out a mobile phone from his pocket and started recording himself while running, even going as far as touching one of the animals directly.
This behavior immediately sparked outrage among experts. During the live broadcast on Spanish Television, the renowned runner Teo Lázaro was blunt in criticizing his behavior: "This young man should not be in the running of the bulls, and I hope he is penalized. He is easily identifiable and has been acting recklessly for several days during the event." The expert from San Sebastián concluded emphatically: "Let's hope we start taking this seriously."
The recklessness did not end on the street, as the individual jumped back into the bullring during the release of heifers, where he suffered a spectacular fall. It was at that moment that the Municipal Police of Pamplona intervened to identify and escort him out of the premises. Lacey Mrzena, a very active young man on social media, now faces fines ranging from 600 to 6,000 euros.
The Running of the Bulls Ordinance strictly prohibits running with recording devices, drawing attention to the animals, or touching them. This police action is part of a strict plan to eradicate dangerous behaviors, with the confiscation of 54 smart glasses with integrated cameras confirmed during the festivities. The authorities' goal is to prioritize safety over seeking easy "clicks" on digital platforms.