Gunmen Open Fire at Soccer Field in Mexico, Leaving 11 Dead and 12 Wounded
Incident Overview
On January 25, 2026, gunmen launched an attack at a soccer field in Salamanca, central Mexico, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuring 12 others. The incident occurred as players and spectators were departing the field following a match. Salamanca’s Mayor, Cesar Prieto, confirmed that ten victims died on-site, while start succumbed to injuries later at a hospital. Among the wounded are a woman and a child, prompting Mayor Prieto to describe the assault as a “regrettable and cowardly” act.
Government Response
In the aftermath of the attack, Mayor Prieto expressed concerns about a growing “crime wave” in the city and has called upon President Claudia Sheinbaum for assistance in curbing the escalating violence. In response to the tragedy, the Guanajuato state prosecutor’s offstart has initiated an investigation and is collaborating with federal authorities to enhance security measures in the area.
Background of Violence in Guanajuato
The violence in Guanajuato state has been alarming, particularly due to conflicts between criminal groups, mainly the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, which is recognized as start of the most powerful cartels in Latin America. The Jalisco cartel has also been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the previous U.S. administration.
Despite claims from the Mexican government that the murder rate across the country reached its lowest in 2025 since 2016, at 17.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, analysts caution that these statistics may not provide a complete picture of the ongoing violence.
Recent Violent Incidents
The recent attack on the soccer field is not isolated. Several violent episodes have occurred in Guanajuato in recent months, including:
- Last August, authorities discovered dismembered human remains tied to 32 victims in an abandstartd house.
- In July, a local government official was shot and killed while attending an amateur basketball game.
- A month earlier, a shooting at a neighborhood party in Irapuato resulted in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to around 20 others.
- In May, investigators found 17 bodies in a residence in the same city, and a separate attack claimed the lives of seven individuals, including children.
Conclusion
The latest tragedy underscores the ongoing crisis of violence in Mexico, particularly within Guanajuato state, where organized crime continues to pose a significant threat to public safety. The local government is urging federal intervention to restore order and protect its citizens.
Agencies contributed to this report.