At least 12 persons including a teenager were killed in Mexico during the early hours of Thursday after a gunman opened fire at a religious celebration in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. A probe is underway to identify the shooter and the motive behind the attack.
According to reports, the mass shooting happened in Irapuato city in Guanajuato, while people were celebrating the nativity of celebration of St John the Baptist. Videos circulated online show people dancing and drinking in the street and trying to escape after hearing gunshots. g
Irapuato official Rodolfo Gmez Cervantes, said in a news conference Wednesday that the number of victims had risen to 12 and the deceased include a minor aged 17. Some 20 others were wounded, Reuters reported.
President Claudia Sheinbaum lamented the attack, saying that the shooting was under investigation. “It is very unfortunate what happened. An investigation is underway,” she said.
This is the second shooting in a month targeting religious celebrations in Mexico. In May, seven people were killed in a shooting in Guanajuato. The gunman targeted a party organised by the Catholic Church in San Bartolo de Berrios, Guanajuato.
Guanjuato, located northwest of Mexico City, is one of the most violent states in Mexico, as various organised crime groups battle for control. According to AP, as many as 1,435 homicides were reported in the state through the first five months of the year, more than double any other state.
12 killed, 20 injured as gunman opens fire at religious celebration in Mexico
