Gunmen carried out a deadly attack at a football field, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuring 12 more.

Mayor Cesar Prieto of Salamanca revealed that the assailants arrived at the conclusion of a game in central Mexico. Ten people lost their lives on the spot, with one more succumbing to injuries in a hospital. Among the wounded were a woman and a child, as per the mayor’s statement.

The Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office confirmed an ongoing investigation and collaboration with federal authorities to enhance security measures in the region. Mayor Prieto linked the incident to a surge in criminal activities within the city and sought assistance from President Claudia Sheinbaum to combat the escalating violence. Guanajuato recorded the highest number of homicides in Mexico last year, with clashes between the local gang, Santa Rosa de Lima, and the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Expressing determination, the mayor emphasized that criminal factions attempting to overpower authorities would not succeed. He underscored the city’s significant contributions to Mexico’s industrial sector and development, noting the current challenging period marked by severe social unrest.

The shooting occurred just before 5:30 pm local time on Sunday at the Campos de las Cabañas pitches, prompting a swift emergency response with the wounded transported to various medical facilities.

Reportedly, the attackers arrived in three vans and unleashed gunfire despite the presence of numerous children at the scene. Forensic teams recovered over 100 spent cartridges. At present, the identities of the victims remain undisclosed.

In a statement, the Guanajuato Prosecutor’s Office strongly denounced the violent acts that jeopardize life and societal peace, pledging a diligent, compassionate investigation prioritizing the victims and their families’ needs.

This tragic incident follows the killing of five men in Salamanca a day earlier, with the victims found in Cuatro de Altamira and Uruétaro, and another individual reported missing. Additionally, four bags containing human remains were located in San Antonio de Flores in the Salamanca region on Saturday evening.

Mexico’s government reported a decline in the 2025 murder rate to 17.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest since 2016. However, analysts cautioned that the figures might not entirely reflect the country’s overall level of violence.