On December 17, 2023, a mass shooting at a pre-Christmas party in Salvatierra, Guanajuato, central Mexico, killed at least 12 individuals and injured another twelve.
Deadly Mass Shooting at Party Venue Shakes Mexico
The violent incident occurred at a hacienda, or property, hired for parties. This horrific tragedy was one of several weekend mass shootings in Mexico.
The state prosecutor’s office reported that six armed individuals entered the premises where 100 young people were celebrating. A witness, who requested anonymity for security, said the uninvited gunmen opened fire on partygoers when questioned about their identity. Young people attending “posadas,” religious Christmas celebrations, were killed in the crossfire.
The Tierra Negra Foundation, which supports local social programs, mourned the young fatalities, who were well-known and respected. Tierra Negra member Carlos Silva expressed his amazement and grief online. Salvatierra Mayor German Cervantes condemned the violence and promised full cooperation with the prosecutor.
Struggles in Mexico’s Dangerous State
Guanajuato governor Diego Sinhue Rodríguez sent condolences to the families and committed to finding those guilty of the tragedy. The Santa Rosa de Lima and Jalisco cartels have fought in Guanajuato, infamous for criminal gang warfare. This violent environment has caused many instances, including the finding of five university students’ deaths in a vehicle earlier this month.
Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s most dangerous states due to these cartels’ power struggles. The Jalisco cartel, which produces massive amounts of fatal fentanyl, smuggles it into the US under the names Xanax and Percocet. This illegal trade causes several U.S. overdose deaths each year.
The terrible history of Salvatierra, where officials found unmarked graves with at least 50 bodies three years ago, does not help. Guanajuato communities struggle with complicated and dangerous criminal dynamics, as shown by the recent horrific shooting.