Armed attack at a soccer field in Salamanca
On January 25, 2026, gunmen opened fire after a soccer match in the town of Salamanca, Guanajuato state, killing at least 11 people and wounding 12 others.
> At a Glance
> – 11 killed, 12 wounded in an armed attack.
> – Attack occurred after a soccer match in Salamanca.
> – Mayor Cesar Prieto appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for help.
Attack Details
The incident took place in a neighborhood in central Mexico. According to the mayor’s office, the gunmen arrived at the end of the match and fired into the crowd. Ten people were wounded on the field, and one of them died later in a hospital.
| Casualty Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Killed | 11 |
| Wounded | 12 |
The National Guard secured the scene, and a yellow police line was set up around the field. The attackers’ identities and motives remain unknown.
Mayor’s Response
Mayor Cesar Prieto posted a statement on social media after the attack. He said, “A woman and a minor were among the wounded,” and that the assault was part of a “crime wave” affecting the city.
Prieto added, “This attack is part of a ‘crime wave’ in the city,” and appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for assistance to control the violence. He also warned that “there are criminal groups trying to subjugate authorities, something they are not going to achieve.”
The mayor’s comments highlight the growing security concerns in the region, especially as local gangs clash.
Broader Crime Context
Guanajuato had Mexico’s highest homicide total last year. A local gang, Santa Rosa de Lima, has been battling the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The state prosecutor’s office said it was investigating and coordinating with federal authorities to reinforce security in the area.
The attack fits into a pattern of escalating violence in the state, with authorities describing the situation as part of a broader crime wave.
Statistical Context
Mexico’s government reported that the 2025 murder rate was 17.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest since 2016. Analysts cautioned, however, that the numbers may not fully reflect the country’s violence.
| Year | Murder Rate (per 100,000) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 17.5 |
| 2016 | 17.5 |
These figures underscore the complexity of measuring violence across Mexico’s diverse regions.
Key Takeaways
- The Armed attack at a soccer field in Salamanca resulted in 11 deaths and 12 injuries.
- The incident followed a soccer match and was described by Mayor Prieto as part of a crime wave.
- Local and federal authorities are investigating, with calls for increased security measures.
- Mexico’s 2025 murder rate remains low nationally, but regional disparities persist.
The attack has drawn national attention to the security challenges facing Guanajuato and the broader Mexican state.
