Salamanca soccer field attack leaves 11 dead, 12 hurt
A gunmen’s assault on a football field in the Mexican town of Salamanca on January 25, 2026 resulted in at least 11 fatalities and 12 injuries, according to local officials.
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At a Glance
- Gunmen fired into a soccer field in Salamanca, Guanajuato, killing 11 people and wounding 12.
- The attack happened after a match, with a woman and a minor among the wounded.
- Mayor Cesar Prieto appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for help amid a broader crime wave.
- Why it matters: The incident underscores the escalating violence in Guanajuato, Mexico’s state with the highest homicide rate last year.
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The attack unfolded in the central part of Salamanca, a town in the state of Guanajuato. Gunmen arrived at the conclusion of a local soccer match and opened fire, striking the field and surrounding area.
Attack at Salamanca Soccer Field
- Casualties: Ten people were present when the shooting began; one died later in a hospital.
- Injuries: The mayor’s office confirmed that a woman and a minor were among those wounded.
- Timing: The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The scene was quickly secured by the National Guard, who set up a yellow police line to contain the area and protect witnesses.
Mayor’s Response
Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto released a statement on social media platforms in the hours following the attack. In his post, he:
- Declared the event part of a “crime wave” affecting the city.
- Urged President Claudia Sheinbaum to intervene and help control the violence.
- Highlighted the presence of criminal groups attempting to subjugate authorities, stating: “Unfortunately, there are criminal groups trying to subjugate authorities, something they are not going to achieve,” the mayor said.
Prieto’s remarks came as the Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office announced an investigation in coordination with federal authorities, aiming to reinforce security in the region.
Broader Context of Violence
Guanajuato had recorded Mexico’s highest homicide total in 2025, a trend that has spurred concern among local officials. The state’s violence is largely fueled by clashes between the local gang Santa Rosa de Lima and the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
In national statistics, Mexico reported a 2025 murder rate of 17.5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest since 2016. Analysts, however, caution that official numbers may not fully capture the country’s underlying violence.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 11 |
| Injuries | 12 |
| Date | January 25, 2026 |
| State | Guanajuato |
| National murder rate (2025) | 17.5 per 100,000 |
National Implications
The Salamanca attack is a stark reminder of the challenges Mexico faces in curbing organized crime. While the national government has made strides in reducing overall murder rates, localized outbreaks-such as the one in Salamanca-highlight the need for targeted security measures.
The incident also illustrates the complex dynamics between local gangs and state authorities. The mayor’s appeal to President Sheinbaum underscores the perception that federal support is essential for effective law-enforcement responses.
Key Takeaways
- The Salamanca soccer field attack is part of a larger trend of violence in Guanajuato, driven by gang rivalries.
- Local officials are calling for federal intervention to strengthen security and address the root causes of crime.
- National statistics show a decline in murder rates, but localized incidents suggest ongoing risks.
The community’s response, the involvement of the National Guard, and the state prosecutor’s coordination with federal agencies will shape the next steps in addressing this surge of violence.
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Sources
The information in this article is based on statements from the Salamanca mayor’s office, the Guanajuato state prosecutor’s office, and local news coverage.
