At least 11 people were killed after gunmen opened fire at a football ground in central Mexico, according to the AFP news agency on Sunday. The shooting took place in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, one of the country’s most violence-hit regions. Local authorities confirmed the deaths but said more details are still awaited.
Shooting took place in Salamanca neighbourhood
Officials said the attack happened in a neighbourhood in the town of Salamanca, while people were present at a local football field. In a statement, officials from the mayor’s office said security forces have launched an operation to track down those responsible for the assault. The motive behind the attack has not yet been made public. Authorities said investigations are ongoing and more information will be released once it becomes available.
“The deaths of 11 people have been confirmed, 10 of whom died at the scene and one more while receiving medical attention at a hospital,” the statement said. It added that “12 people were injured by gunfire and are receiving medical attention.”
In a statement, Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto warned that the city is facing a surge in criminal violence, with organised crime groups trying to challenge state authority. “Unfortunately, there are criminal groups trying to subjugate authorities, something they are not going to achieve,” he said.
Describing the situation as serious, the mayor made an appeal to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and state officials for extra security support. “Today we are going through a serious moment, a serious social breakdown,” Prieto said. “I am asking the president and the governor for support so we can restore peace. We will move forward, and those responsible will be found.”
The Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office said it has opened an investigation and is working with federal authorities to reinforce security in the area. State and federal forces have been deployed to help stabilise the city.
In a related incident, authorities discovered four bags containing human remains in Salamanca on the night of January 24. Officials have not yet confirmed if the two incidents are connected.
Guanajuato is known as an industrial hub and a popular tourist destination. However, it also remains one of the deadliest states in Mexico because of gang-related violence, according to official homicide statistics. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said earlier this year that the country’s homicide rate in 2025 had fallen to its lowest level in a decade.