Gunmen Kill 11, Including Woman and Child, at Soccer Field in Guanajuato

At least 11 people, including a woman and a child, were killed and 12 others injured when gunmen opened fire at a soccer field in Salamanca, Guanajuato. Authorities launched an investigation, and the mayor appealed to President Sheinbaum for help amid rising gang-related violence in the state.

A group of men opened fire at a soccer field in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, killing at least 11 people and injuring 12 others, authorities reported. Among those who lost their lives were a woman and a child, Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto confirmed, highlighting the tragic nature of the attack.
Mayor Prieto described the incident as part of a growing wave of violence that has been plaguing the state and particularly affecting Salamanca. He emphasized that criminal groups are attempting to intimidate and subjugate the authorities, but he insisted that they would not succeed in their efforts. In response to the attack, Prieto made an urgent appeal to President Claudia Sheinbaum, seeking federal assistance to help curb the escalating violence in the region.
According to the mayor, the gunmen arrived at the soccer field toward the end of a local match, targeting the players and spectators gathered at the venue. The attack, which occurred in a public space frequented by families, has left the local community in shock and fear.
The motive for the shooting has not yet been determined. Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the reasons behind the attack and to hold those responsible accountable. The office of the attorney general in Guanajuato, where Salamanca is located, confirmed that it is coordinating with local authorities to enhance security, protect residents, and identify the perpetrators. In a statement, officials assured the public that every effort is being made to apprehend those involved. Mayor Prieto also stressed on social media that "those responsible will be found," signaling a commitment to justice.
Guanajuato is a region known both as a popular tourist destination and an industrial hub. However, despite its economic importance, it has also earned the grim distinction of being Mexico's deadliest state due to ongoing gang-related violence and turf wars, according to official homicide statistics. The latest attack underscores the persistent challenges that authorities face in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety in the area.