Gunmen Attack Soccer Field in Central Mexico, Leaving 11 Dead
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A violent attack at a soccer field in central Mexico on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and left 12 others injured, according to local authorities. The incident occurred as a match concluded, with gunmen reportedly arriving on the scene to open fire.
Why It Matters
This tragic event highlights the escalating violence in Mexico, particularly in the state of Guanajuato, which is grappling with fierce gang rivalries. The attack underscores serious concerns over public safety and calls for increased governmental intervention to combat the ongoing crime wave that disproportionately affects local communities.
Key Developments
- Ten victims died immediately at the soccer field, while another succumbed to injuries later in a medical facility.
- The wounded included a woman and a minor, sparking further outrage over the implications of such violence.
- Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto described the shooting as part of a broader criminal crisis in the city and urged Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum for assistance.
- Local authorities confirmed that the Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office is investigating the incident and working with federal forces to enhance security.
- The region reported the highest homicide totals in Mexico last year, mainly attributed to conflicts between local gangs.
Full Report
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Salamanca mayor expressed grave concern for public safety. Prieto emphasized that criminal organizations are attempting to dominate local governance, a situation he vowed would not be tolerated. Responding to the shooting, he called upon President Claudia Sheinbaum for support in restoring security to the community.
The state prosecutor’s office is currently conducting an inquiry into the attack, coordinating with federal agencies to bolster security measures. This incident fits into a disturbing pattern of violence driven by rival factions in the state, particularly the Santa Rosa de Lima gang, which is in conflict with the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
According to federal statistics, despite a reported decrease in the national murder rate for 2025—the lowest since 2016—analysts have cautioned that these numbers may not accurately capture the full extent of violence in certain regions, especially in Guanajuato.
Context & Previous Events
The violence in Guanajuato has been attributed to ongoing turf wars between criminal groups. Last year, the state recorded the highest homicide rates in Mexico, underlining the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement and the government in curbing organized crime. The recent shooting incident further compounds the struggles of local authorities to establish order amid rampant violence.
