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Mass Shooting in San Felipe, Guanajuato
In the early hours of Monday, May 20, 2025, gunmen opened fire in a plaza in San Felipe, Guanajuato, Mexico killing seven individuals, including minors. Local police discovered the bodies and a damaged van at the scene following reports of gunfire.
Cartel Messages Found at Crime Scene
Authorities found two banners at the crime scene containing messages linked to the Santa Rosa de Lima gang, a criminal organization operating in the area. Such messages are often used by cartels to threaten rivals or punish those who violate their rules.
Ongoing Violence in Guanajuato
Guanajuato is considered Mexico’s most violent state, with 3,151 homicides recorded last year, accounting for 10,5% of the nation’s murders. The violence is largely attributed to conflicts between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Catholic Church Condemns the Violence
The Mexican Catholic Church condemned the shooting, describing it as “an alarming sign of the weakening of the social fabric, impunity, and the absence of peace in vast regions” of the country. The Episcopal Conference of Mexico emphasized the need for collective action to address the spiral of violence affecting communities.
