Gunmen Kill 11 After Soccer Match in Salamanca, Guanajuato
Gunmen opened fire after an amateur match in Salamanca, killing 10 at the scene and one later at a hospital, authorities said.
Overview
Gunmen opened fire at the Cabañas pitch in Loma de Flores, Salamanca, at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, killing 10 at the scene and one later at a hospital, the Guanajuato state prosecutor's office said.
The attack occurred in Guanajuato, which recorded Mexico's highest homicide total last year amid a turf war between the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, analysts and officials said.
The Guanajuato state prosecutor's office said it is investigating the shooting and coordinating with federal authorities to reinforce security in the area.
Investigators said they collected more than 100 shell casings at the scene and that the attackers arrived in at least three vehicles, authorities said.
Salamanca Mayor César Prieto appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for federal assistance, and Sheinbaum deferred comment to the local prosecutor's office, which has confirmed an ongoing investigation, officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the events as part of an escalating cartel-driven security crisis that undermines Mexico’s national image ahead of the World Cup. Editorial choices—use of loaded terms (e.g., “massacre”), emphasis on Guanajuato’s homicide totals and prior attacks, and highlighting an analyst’s motive theory—shape that narrative; quoted mayoral condemnations remain source content.
Sources (7)
FAQ
Gunmen arrived in at least two to three vehicles and opened fire at the Cabañas soccer pitch in Loma de Flores, Salamanca, Guanajuato, around 5:20-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, killing 11 people (10 at the scene, 1 later in hospital) and injuring 12 after an amateur soccer match.
Guanajuato has Mexico's highest homicide rate due to a turf war between the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel (CSRL), involved in oil theft, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Salamanca, near a Pemex refinery, has seen recent violent incidents including killings and abductions.
The Guanajuato state prosecutor's office is investigating, having collected over 100 shell casings. Authorities are coordinating with federal forces to reinforce security. No motive or suspects have been publicly identified.
Salamanca Mayor César Prieto called it part of a 'crime wave' and appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for help. Governor Libia Denisse García Ledo condemned it as unacceptable and vowed firm action. Sheinbaum deferred to local prosecutors.
History
3 sources