Early Sunday an armed attack happened at a bar in Villahermosa, Tabasco, resulted in six fatalities and left ten others wounded, according to local authorities.
State deputy prosecutor Gilberto Melquiades revealed that the gunmen entered the bar, identified as “DBar,” reportedly targeting a specific individual. However, their gunfire struck several bystanders. “Armed persons were looking for someone specific,” Melquiades stated during a press conference, emphasizing that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
At the scene, five victims were confirmed dead, with one more succumbing to injuries at a hospital. Among the ten injured, five have been identified, but the extent of their injuries remains undisclosed.
The attack has drawn comparisons to a similar incident two weeks prior in Querétaro, a previously calm region in central Mexico. That attack claimed the lives of ten people and left seven injured, marking an alarming spread of violence tied to organized crime.
In response to Sunday’s incident, Federal Public Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed that President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is working closely with local authorities to investigate and resolve the case.
Tabasco, a southeastern state known for its oil production, has experienced a surge in violent crime this year. Official data reveals a dramatic rise in homicides, with 715 recorded between January and October, compared to just 253 in the entirety of 2023.
The escalating violence has raised concerns about public safety in a region once regarded as relatively stable. The government has pledged to intensify efforts to combat organized crime and enhance security measures in affected areas.
The tragedy at “DBar” underscores a broader issue of increasing criminal activity across Mexico, often spilling into public spaces and endangering innocent civilians. Investigations are expected to focus on identifying the perpetrators and uncovering the motives behind the attack.
Local residents and officials alike have called for swift justice and greater security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.