At least 12 people were killed overnight in the Mexican state of Guanajuato when gunmen opened fire during a street celebration in the city of Irapuato, authorities said on Wednesday. The attack took place while locals were dancing and drinking in honor of St. John the Baptist.
An unverified video circulating on social media appears to show people dancing in a housing complex patio while a band plays, shortly before gunfire broke out and chaos erupted.
Rodolfo Gmez Cervantes, an Irapuato official, confirmed at a news conference that the death toll had risen to 12, with around 20 others wounded.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack and said an investigation is underway. "It is very unfortunate what happened. An investigation is underway," he said.
Guanajuato, located northwest of Mexico City, has for many years been one of Mexico’s most violent states. Criminal groups there continue to battle over drug trafficking routes and other illicit enterprises. The state recorded 1,435 homicides in the first five months of the year, more than double the number in any other state.
On Tuesday, five more people were killed in separate incidents across the state, according to the attorney general's office. The incident follows a similar tragedy last month in Guanajuato when seven people were killed during a Catholic Church event in the town of San Bartolo de Berrios.
