MEXICO CITY (AP) – A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday in central Mexico, where gunmen opened fire at a soccer field, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and leaving 12 others injured, according to reports from local authorities.
Mayor of Salamanca, César Prieto, shared details through social media stating that the attack occurred at the conclusion of a soccer match, when the assailants targeted the crowd. Among the deceased are ten individuals who succumbed to their injuries on the scene, while one additional person passed away later in a hospital. Among the injured, a woman and a minor have been reported, intensifying the tragedy of this violent episode.
In light of this horrific event, Mayor Prieto attributed the shooting to a broader "crime wave" plaguing the city. He issued an urgent appeal to President Claudia Sheinbaum, calling for assistance in addressing the escalating violence that has become a significant concern for local residents and authorities alike.
The Guanajuato state prosecutor's office has announced that it is conducting an investigation into the incident. Furthermore, it is coordinating with federal security agencies to enhance measures aimed at restoring safety in the affected area. This move underscores the serious nature of the threat posed by organized crime in the region.
Historically, Guanajuato state has recorded the highest homicide rates in Mexico. Last year, the area witnessed a disturbing trend as local gang, Santa Rosa de Lima, engaged in a violent struggle for dominance against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the country.
In response to the ongoing violence, Mayor Prieto declared, "Unfortunately, there are criminal groups trying to subjugate authorities, something they are not going to achieve." His statement reflects a determination to combat the influences of organized crime within the community and affirm the rule of law.
Despite the alarming rates of violence, the Mexican government reported that the overall murder rate for the year 2025 was at its lowest since 2016, with a figure of 17.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. However, analysts have urged caution, suggesting that the official statistics may not provide a complete picture of the pervasive violence affecting various regions across the country.
This incident highlights the urgent need for effective intervention and support from federal authorities to tackle the issues of organized crime and restore safety to local communities in Guanajuato and beyond.
