Gunmen Kill Seven, Including Children, in Central Mexico; Cartel Messages Found at Scene
Rising Violence in Mexico’s Guanajuato
The unsettling reality of cartel violence struck again in Mexico’s central state of Guanajuato, where gunmen opened fire early Monday morning, claiming the lives of seven individuals. This tragic event unfolded in a plaza in the city of San Felipe, where local authorities discovered the bodies alongside a damaged van. Reports of gunfire drew police to the scene, marking another violent chapter in Mexico’s most deadly state.
Amidst the aftermath, officers found two banners referencing the Santa Rosa de Lima gang, a name that instills fear across the region. These chilling messages are often left by cartels aiming to intimidate rivals or discipline those who cross their lines. Guanajuato, while known for its industrial prowess and tourist attractions, is paradoxically plagued by violence as it leads Mexico in homicide rates.
This recent attack is not isolated. It is part of an ongoing conflict between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel. The latter is recognized as one of Latin America’s most powerful criminal organizations. The Catholic Church, deeply rooted in Mexican society, voiced its condemnation, describing the incident as a stark indication of “the weakening of the social fabric” and a “spiral of violence” that touches countless communities.
The Episcopal Conference of Mexico highlighted this tragedy as “one more among so many,” urging against indifference in light of such frequent bloodshed. In fact, back in December, church leaders had called on warring cartels to establish a truce, an appeal echoing their desperation for peace.
Statistics paint a grim picture: Guanajuato recorded 3,151 homicides last year alone, accounting for 10.5 percent of all murders nationwide. Since 2006, when military efforts against drug operations intensified, approximately 480,000 violent deaths have been recorded across Mexico.
This latest mass shooting only adds to Guanajuato’s bloody history. In February, eight were gunned down on the streets; in December 2024, a roadside attack claimed eight lives; and last October, twelve tortured police officers were discovered with cartel messages attached to them.
The U.S. State Department has issued warnings for travelers considering visiting Guanajuato due to its high murder rates linked to cartel conflicts. Their advisory highlights particular concerns about southern regions within the state.
Guanajuato remains trapped in a cycle of violence that leaves communities mourning and seeking answers. As these stories continue to emerge, one can’t help but ponder what it might take to restore peace to such a beleaguered region.
