Deadly Attack Strikes Religious Festival in Guanajuato
Eleven people lost their lives and at least 20 others were injured when gunmen opened fire during a religious celebration in the city of Irapuato, located in Mexico’s central Guanajuato state. The attack erupted amid festivities honoring the Nativity of John the Baptist, plunging the event into chaos.
Chaos Erupts During Festival Celebrations
The incident took place late Tuesday night as families gathered to celebrate. Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene, with people scrambling for cover and rushing the wounded to nearby hospitals. Bloodstains and bullet holes marked the festival grounds, underscoring the brutality of the assault.
One witness recounted, "It was chaos. People put the injured in their cars and rushed them to the hospital," highlighting the panic that swept through the crowd.
Victims and Official Response
The state prosecutor’s office confirmed that among the dead were a 17-year-old and a mix of eight men and two women. Authorities have pledged to deliver justice and are actively pursuing the attackers. Psychological support services are being provided for survivors and affected families.
Local officials and government leaders condemned the violence. Guanajuato Governor Libia Dennise expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while President Claudia Sheinbaum labeled the incident "deplorable" and assured that a thorough investigation is underway.
Guanajuato’s Ongoing Violence Crisis
Guanajuato is a state known for its vibrant industry and tourism but has been plagued by extreme violence linked primarily to clashes between rival criminal organizations. The Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel have sparked bitter conflicts that fuel much of the unrest.
Last year alone, the state recorded over 3,000 murders, more than any other in Mexico. This violence is part of a broader national crisis, as Mexico has seen approximately 480,000 killings and over 120,000 missing persons attributed largely to drug-related crime since 2006.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
Authorities are intensifying their search for those responsible while working to reassure citizens in a state deeply scarred by gang warfare. Videos circulating online captured the moment gunshots erupted, capturing the panic among revelers who had been dancing moments before the shooting began.
The tragedy at the religious festival serves as a grim reminder of the challenges Guanajuato faces in restoring safety and peace to its communities amid ongoing criminal violence.
