A deadly attack hit a community football match in Loma de Flores, Guanajuato, on Sunday. Armed men opened fire on players, spectators, and security staff. The shooting lasted 15 to 20 minutes. It left 11 people dead and 12 injured. Authorities said the attack was linked to gang rivalries. The incident turned a family sports event into a scene of chaos in one of Mexico’s most dangerous states.
Football Match Attack Sparks Fear in Community
The shooting happened late in the afternoon as families, including children, were leaving the football match. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen arrived in at least three vehicles and targeted the crowd indiscriminately. Neighbors described fleeing from the scene, abandoning their cars, and seeking safety as the gunfire continued.
Among the dead were at least five members of a private security company responsible for guarding the football match. Authorities believe the security staff were specifically targeted because of alleged links to one of the region’s most notorious cartels.
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In addition to the 11 fatalities, 12 people were wounded, including a woman and a minor. Many victims remain hospitalized, while relatives mourn at the scene, lighting candles and leaving personal items to honor the deceased.
Residents described the aftermath as chaotic and terrifying. “We no longer know where to find peace,” one local activist said, highlighting how the attack has shaken the sense of security in the town. Football matches and community events, once seen as safe spaces, are now under scrutiny amid the rising violence.
Gang Rivalries Behind the Attack
Officials say the attack was likely carried out as part of a settling of scores between two rival criminal groups. Reports suggest that the assailants were linked to a cartel in direct competition with the group associated with the security company at the event. Messages left at the scene pointed to an ongoing feud over illegal activities, including fuel and drug trafficking.
Guanajuato has been a hot spot for cartel violence for years, with multiple brutal attacks reported in recent times. Previous incidents in the state include assaults on entertainment venues and public gatherings, often resulting in multiple deaths.
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The violence highlights the continuing struggle between law enforcement and organized crime in the area. While government officials have reported a decrease in the national murder rate, local statistics in Guanajuato remain alarmingly high, with homicide rates more than double the national average.
State and federal authorities responded quickly, launching a joint security operation to investigate the attack and prevent further violence. For now, the community remains in shock, with many questioning how such a brazen attack could occur in a public space.
Football, Community, and Violence
The football game was intended to bring young people together and provide a safe outlet from the influence of criminal gangs. In recent years, local organizations have promoted sports as a way to engage youth and reduce crime. Sunday’s attack, however, underscores the ongoing threat that cartels pose even in spaces meant for community and recreation.
Families attending the game described scenes of panic as the gunfire erupted. Many fled without shoes or belongings, leaving behind cars and personal items. The attackers moved swiftly, carrying out the massacre before disappearing into the surrounding streets.
Officials confirmed the names of the victims are being withheld pending family notifications. Meanwhile, authorities continue to collect evidence and follow leads linking the attack to organized crime.
Residents have expressed anger and fear, worried that public events and community gatherings are no longer safe. Local activists emphasized that violence like this has a profound impact on communities, eroding trust and creating lasting trauma.
Guanajuato’s governor announced that state and federal forces would work together in a coordinated operation to address the violence and investigate the incident. While security measures are being increased, the community continues to mourn the loss of those killed in what is being called one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory in the area.