Saturday, March 29, 2025
Mass Shooting at Religious Festival in Mexico Leaves 12 Dead, 20 Injured
In a horrifying act of violence, at least 12 people were killed and 20 others injured when gunmen opened fire during a religious celebration in the Mexican city of Irapuato, located in the violent-prone state of Guanajuato. The mass shooting occurred late Tuesday night during festivities marking the feast day of St. John the Baptist.
According to local officials, revelers were dancing and drinking in the streets as part of the celebration when the gunfire suddenly erupted. Eyewitness videos circulated online show scenes of chaos, with people screaming and scrambling for cover as bullets rang out.
Rodolfo Gómez Cervantes, a senior official from Irapuato, confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday that 12 people were confirmed dead, and approximately 20 more had sustained injuries.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences over the tragic incident and assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. “This attack is deeply saddening. The perpetrators will be held accountable,” she stated.
This attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents plaguing Guanajuato, one of Mexico’s most dangerous states. Just last month, seven people were killed in another shooting at a church-organized party in San Bartolo de Berrios, also in the same state.
A disturbing image from Irapuato showed local residents washing bloodstains from outside a home following the latest attack, highlighting the grim aftermath of gun violence that has become increasingly common in the region.
Guanajuato, located in north-central Mexico, continues to experience intense turf wars between rival organized crime groups, making it the deadliest state in the country. In the first five months of 2025 alone, the state has recorded 1,435 homicides — more than double that of any other Mexican state.
Authorities have yet to determine the identities or motives of the attackers. Meanwhile, residents of Irapuato are left grappling with grief and fear, as what should have been a joyous religious gathering turned into a scene of terror and tragedy.
