Mexico rocked by violent cartel attacks during Catholic festival
Mexico is dealing with another wave of violence. In the state of Guanajuato, seven people were killed during a Catholic festival, and two officials were murdered in the country's capital. Authorities suspect that drug cartels are behind the attacks.
On Monday morning in San Bartolo de Berrios, a tragic incident unfolded during a Catholic festival organized by the local parish. Attackers opened fire, killing seven young people, including minors. Witnesses reported that dozens of shots were fired.
Mexico has long struggled with violence related to drug cartel activities. While attacks on nightclubs or bars are relatively common, assaults on church ceremonies are rare.
According to the BBC, in Guanajuato, the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel (CJNG) are in conflict. Messages left at the crime scene suggest that the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel may be responsible for the attack.
In Mexico City, another act of violence occurred. Two close associates of Mayor Clara Brugada were killed: secretary Ximena Guzman and advisor Jose Munoz. The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, stated that the perpetrators were likely traveling by motorcycle.
Authorities’ reaction
Clara Brugada announced on the X platform that the perpetrators would be caught and held accountable. Meanwhile, as reported by "El Sol de Mexico," since Sheinbaum took office as president, the number of inmates in Mexican jails has increased by over 20,000 people, indicating a toughening policy against gangs.
Human rights expert Sofia Gonzalez Talamantes assessed that the increase in the number of inmates reflects the government's hardline approach in the fight against crime. Authorities are more frequently using preventive detention for those arrested.
