Background on Irapuato and its Violence
Irapuato, a city in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, is one of the regions most affected by drug trafficking-related violence. Known for its industrial significance, hosting auto assembly plants like Mazda and Toyota, as well as popular tourist destinations, Irapuato has also become one of Mexico’s deadliest regions due to criminal organization violence.
The Incident
On Tuesday night, during a neighborhood celebration for San Juan in the Barrio Nuevo colony, armed men opened fire at a gathering. Initial reports indicated 10 fatalities; however, the death toll was later updated to 11 by the municipal government.
- At least 20 people were injured in the shooting.
- Victims include one 17-year-old male, eight men, and two women.
- Some injured individuals were taken to hospitals by private means, and more victims may still be identified.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness described the chaos and desperation during the incident to AFP, requesting anonymity for safety reasons:
“It was chaos… Everyone was rushing to help the injured, loading them into cars and speeding off to hospitals. It was a desperate situation.”
Government Response
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack during her daily press conference, calling it a “lamentable multiple homicide.” She mentioned that the incident involved an “encounter” resulting in the death of children, though the local fiscalía later clarified that only one minor, a 17-year-old male, was among the deceased.
Sheinbaum stated that the case is under investigation without providing further details about the circumstances or parties involved.
Guanajuato’s governor, Libia Dennise Muñoz Ledo, strongly condemned the violent acts and expressed solidarity with affected families via social media.
Context and Impact of Crime in Guanajuato
Since 2006, criminal violence—mostly linked to drug trafficking—has claimed around 480,000 lives in Mexico and left over 120,000 people missing. In Guanajuato alone, the state recorded 3,151 homicides in 2024, accounting for more than 10% of the nation’s total homicides that year.
A significant portion of the violent incidents in Guanajuato is tied to a conflict between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, and the Santa Rosa de Lima group.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened? Armed men opened fire during a San Juan celebration in Irapuato, resulting in 11 deaths and at least 20 injuries.
- Who was killed? A 17-year-old male, eight men, and two women were among the deceased.
- What is the government’s response? President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack, and Governor Libia Dennise Muñoz Ledo expressed solidarity with affected families. The case remains under investigation.
- Why is Guanajuato affected by violence? The state faces a significant challenge from drug trafficking-related criminal violence, primarily involving the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Santa Rosa de Lima group.
