Gunmen carried out a deadly attack at a football field in central Mexico, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and injuries to 12 others. The incident occurred after the game concluded, with ten people losing their lives on-site and one succumbing to injuries at a hospital. Among the wounded were a woman and a child, as stated by Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto.
Authorities from the Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office are conducting an investigation and collaborating with federal agencies to enhance security measures in the area. Mayor Prieto described the attack as part of an escalating “crime wave” in the city, requesting assistance from President Claudia Sheinbaum to address the escalating violence. Notably, Guanajuato recorded the highest number of homicides in Mexico last year, with ongoing clashes between the local gang Santa Rosa de Lima and the potent Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Expressing determination against criminal groups attempting to defy authority, Mayor Prieto emphasized the city’s significant contributions to Mexico’s industrial sector and economic development. However, he acknowledged the current challenging situation characterized by a “serious social breakdown.”
The shooting unfolded near the Campos de las Cabañas pitches just before 5:30 pm on a Sunday, prompting a swift emergency response that transported the injured to multiple hospitals. Despite the presence of children, the assailants arrived in three vans and unleashed gunfire, leaving over 100 used cartridges at the scene. As of now, the victims remain unidentified by officials.
In a statement, the Guanajuato Prosecutor’s Office denounced the violent incident, emphasizing a commitment to upholding justice, supporting the victims, and their families.
This tragic event follows a series of violent incidents in Salamanca, including the murder of five men in Cuatro de Altamira and Uruétaro, as well as the discovery of human remains in San Antonio de Flores. While Mexico reported a decrease in the 2025 murder rate compared to previous years, analysts caution that the numbers may not fully reflect the country’s overall level of violence.
