In a shocking incident last night in San Bartolo de Berrios, Guanajuato, seven youths were shot dead during a Catholic Church festivity. Eyewitnesses reported that gunmen arrived in the early hours and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, creating chaos amongst the attendees who had remained in the village's central square. While the authorities have yet to confirm the motive, it appears to be linked to the activities of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, as indicated by threatening messages discovered nearby.
This attack on a church event is particularly alarming in Mexico, where violence is frequently associated with nightlife venues rather than religious gatherings. The Episcopal Conference of Mexico has denounced the shooting, expressing deep concern over the growing violence plaguing communities. Local Archbishop Jaime Calderón attributed the incident to turf wars between rival cartels, namely the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
In 2024, Guanajuato recorded the highest homicide rate in the country, with a staggering 2,597 murders. These criminal organizations are not only engaged in drug trafficking but have increasingly targeted fuel pipelines, leading to gang violence and community fear tactics.
Residents of the town described a scene reminiscent of a "bloodbath," with seven bodies, including two minors, laid out in the square following the ambush. Despite the carnage, no arrests have been made thus far related to this incident. As the community grapples with this tragedy, questions linger about the escalating cartel violence and its devastating impact on everyday life in Mexico.
This attack on a church event is particularly alarming in Mexico, where violence is frequently associated with nightlife venues rather than religious gatherings. The Episcopal Conference of Mexico has denounced the shooting, expressing deep concern over the growing violence plaguing communities. Local Archbishop Jaime Calderón attributed the incident to turf wars between rival cartels, namely the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
In 2024, Guanajuato recorded the highest homicide rate in the country, with a staggering 2,597 murders. These criminal organizations are not only engaged in drug trafficking but have increasingly targeted fuel pipelines, leading to gang violence and community fear tactics.
Residents of the town described a scene reminiscent of a "bloodbath," with seven bodies, including two minors, laid out in the square following the ambush. Despite the carnage, no arrests have been made thus far related to this incident. As the community grapples with this tragedy, questions linger about the escalating cartel violence and its devastating impact on everyday life in Mexico.
