Mexico: Armed men attack town hall, kill mayor, 17 others
What's the story
Eighteen people lost their lives in a mass shooting incident in Mexico on Thursday. According to reports, the incident occurred at San Miguel Totolapan in south-western Mexico after gunmen opened fire at the city hall. Mayor Conrado Mendoza is also among the deceased, local media said. A criminal gang based in the area has claimed responsibility for the attack. Here's more.
Details
Mayor, police officers, and city officials dead
Mayor Mendoza, his father, and former Mayor Juan Mendoza are among the 18 who lost their lives in the attack, along with several city officials. Los Tequileros, a criminal gang, claimed responsibility for the gruesome incident through a video message shared on social media platforms. However, authorities are yet to confirm their role. Per BBC, police officers and council workers were also killed.
Twitter Post
Trigger warning: Shocking visuals from Mexico
#Guerrero Así quedaron los cuerpos de las personas (número indeterminado) asesinadas en los ataques en #SanMiguelTotolapan donde fue asesinado el alcalde, su papa y al menos 7 policías municipales. Se habla d más de 25 personas acribilladas por el grupo criminal “Los Tequileros”. pic.twitter.com/V3Y06SmUfi
— Jacob Morales A. (@JacobMorant) October 5, 2022
Attack
Local gang spewed bullets outside building
Outer walls of the building were seen riddled with multiple bullet holes. The assailants also blocked a highway with cars to stop security forces from entering the area. Mayor Condrado Mendoza's party confirmed his death and condemned the "cowardly" assassination. Local media said that the gunmen carried out a targeted attack inside the building and had intended to kill the mayor.
Twitter Post
Bullet holes outside city hall building
#ULTIMAHORA Así quedó parte de la fachada del ayuntamiento de San Miguel Totolapan luego del ataque del grupo criminal de “Los Tequileros”. El alcalde, su papá y 7 policías municipales los muertos. #Guerrero pic.twitter.com/g8uiT9UP5M
— Jacob Morales A. (@JacobMorant) October 5, 2022
Mexico
Recent mass shootings in the country
This deadly attack, reportedly by masked men, comes after a wave of gang violence witnessed in August. In September, assailants attacked a bar in Guanajuato and killed 10 people. Earlier, In Zapopan, one died after a hefty confrontation between an armed group, soldiers, and bodyguards. Incidentally, this comes on the same day as a brutal mass shooting in Thailand.