Deadly Soccer Field Shooting in Central Mexico Claims 11 Lives, Injures 12
In a horrific incident that has shocked central Mexico, at least eleven people were killed and twelve others wounded when armed assailants opened fire at a soccer field in Salamanca, Guanajuato. The brutal attack occurred on Sunday, shortly after a local football match had concluded, underscoring the persistent and escalating cartel violence plaguing the region.
Attack Follows End of Football Match in Loma de Flores Neighborhood
The shooting took place in the Loma de Flores neighbourhood of Salamanca, a municipality located in the violence-ridden state of Guanajuato. According to municipal and state authorities, the attack unfolded as people were gathered at the field following the match. Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto confirmed that an armed group arrived at the scene and began firing indiscriminately into the crowd.
Ten victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries later in a hospital. Among the twelve wounded individuals were a woman and a minor, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the assault. Mayor Prieto described the city as experiencing a severe surge in criminal violence, warning that organized crime groups are actively attempting to undermine state authority.
Mayor Appeals for Federal Intervention Amid Grave Situation
Describing the situation as grave, Mayor Prieto made a direct appeal to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and state officials for additional security support. "Today we are going through a serious moment, a serious social breakdown," Prieto stated. He emphasized that criminal groups are trying to subdue authorities, but asserted they would not succeed.
"I am asking the president and the governor for support so we can restore peace," he added. "We will move forward, and those responsible will be found." This plea underscores the local government's struggle to contain the violence without federal assistance.
Prosecutors Launch Investigation, Deploy Security Forces
In response to the massacre, the Guanajuato state prosecutor's office has opened an investigation and is coordinating with federal authorities to reinforce security in the area. State and federal forces have been deployed as part of efforts to stabilize Salamanca and prevent further violence. This coordinated response aims to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore order in the community.
Guanajuato: Epicenter of Cartel Violence in Mexico
Guanajuato recorded Mexico's highest homicide total last year and has become a focal point of organized crime in recent years. The violence is largely driven by clashes between two rival cartels:
- Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
- Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel
These groups are fighting for control of territory and illicit markets, leading to repeated mass shootings, hundreds of killings and disappearances, and the discovery of clandestine graves across the state. The soccer field attack is a stark reminder of the brutal tactics employed in this ongoing conflict.
National Murder Rate Masks Localized Violence in States Like Guanajuato
While Mexico's federal government reported that the country's 2025 murder rate fell to its lowest level since 2016, at 17.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, analysts caution that national figures may obscure intense, localized violence. States such as Guanajuato continue to suffer disproportionately, with incidents like the Salamanca shooting highlighting the gap between national statistics and on-the-ground realities.
The deadly assault in Salamanca serves as a tragic example of how cartel violence disrupts everyday life, turning community spaces like soccer fields into scenes of terror. As investigations proceed and security measures are reinforced, the incident raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of current strategies to combat organized crime in central Mexico.
