In a shocking incident, seven young men were gunned down during a Catholic Church festival in San Bartolo de Berrios, Guanajuato. The tragic event unfolded in the early hours of Monday as individuals gathered in the village square after a local parish celebration. Eyewitnesses recount that assailants drove directly into the square and indiscriminately unleashed a barrage of gunfire.
Authorities have yet to establish a clear motive for the attack, but evidence suggests it may be linked to the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, indicated by messages left at the scene. While violent clashes between rival cartels, primarily the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, are frequent in nightlife venues, this incident at a church-based event marks an alarming escalation.
The Episcopal Conference of Mexico has voiced its condemnation, urging an urgent response to the "spiral of violence" affecting numerous communities. Archbishop Jaime Calderón attributed the shooting to ongoing territorial disputes between competing drug cartels in the region.
Guanajuato was reported to have the highest homicide rate in Mexico in 2024, with over 2,597 murders. The fierce rivalry among the criminal organizations often leads to brazen displays of violence meant to instill fear and enforce silence among residents. Reports from locals describe the scene as a "bloodbath," with approximately 100 gunshots ringing out in a matter of moments, leaving the village in disbelief.
No suspects have been apprehended following the attack. This incident further emphasizes the urgent need for action against the violent tide engulfing communities across Mexico.
Authorities have yet to establish a clear motive for the attack, but evidence suggests it may be linked to the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, indicated by messages left at the scene. While violent clashes between rival cartels, primarily the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, are frequent in nightlife venues, this incident at a church-based event marks an alarming escalation.
The Episcopal Conference of Mexico has voiced its condemnation, urging an urgent response to the "spiral of violence" affecting numerous communities. Archbishop Jaime Calderón attributed the shooting to ongoing territorial disputes between competing drug cartels in the region.
Guanajuato was reported to have the highest homicide rate in Mexico in 2024, with over 2,597 murders. The fierce rivalry among the criminal organizations often leads to brazen displays of violence meant to instill fear and enforce silence among residents. Reports from locals describe the scene as a "bloodbath," with approximately 100 gunshots ringing out in a matter of moments, leaving the village in disbelief.
No suspects have been apprehended following the attack. This incident further emphasizes the urgent need for action against the violent tide engulfing communities across Mexico.
