Gunmen Attack Football Match in Central Mexico, Killing 11 and Wounding 12
In a shocking incident of violence, gunmen opened fire at a football match in central Mexico on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and leaving 12 others wounded. The attack occurred in the town of Salamanca, located in the Guanajuato state, and has prompted urgent calls for federal intervention to address the escalating crime wave in the region.
Mayor Appeals for Federal Assistance Amid Crime Surge
César Prieto, the mayor of Salamanca, confirmed the details in a statement posted to social platforms, revealing that the assailants arrived at the end of the match. Ten individuals were killed at the scene, with one more succumbing to injuries later at a hospital. Among the wounded were a woman and a child, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
Prieto described the attack as part of a broader "crime wave" plaguing the city and made a direct appeal to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for help in controlling the situation. "Unfortunately, there are criminal groups trying to subjugate authorities, something they are not going to achieve," he stated, underscoring the challenges faced by local officials.
Investigation and Security Reinforcements Underway
The state prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident and is coordinating with federal authorities to reinforce security in the area. This response aims to prevent further violence and bring those responsible to justice, as the community reels from the tragedy.
Guanajuato state, where Salamanca is situated, recorded the highest number of homicides in Mexico last year, a grim statistic that underscores the persistent security issues. The violence is often attributed to clashes between local gangs, such as the Santa Rosa de Lima group, and the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which have been battling for control in the region.
Context of Mexico's Murder Rates and Violence
While Mexico's government reported that the country's 2025 murder rate was the lowest since 2016, at 17.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, analysts caution that these numbers may not fully capture the extent of the violence. Incidents like the football match attack serve as stark reminders of the ongoing challenges in combating organised crime and ensuring public safety across the nation.
This tragic event has drawn attention to the urgent need for effective measures to protect citizens and restore order in areas heavily impacted by gang-related activities. As authorities continue their investigations, the community in Salamanca and beyond awaits decisive action to prevent such atrocities in the future.
