12 killed in mass shooting during street celebration in Mexico’s Guanajuato

At least 12 people were killed overnight in the Mexican state of Guanajuato when gunmen opened fire during a street celebration in the city of Irapuato, authorities said on Wednesday.

The attack took place while locals were dancing and drinking in honor of St. John the Baptist. Videos shared online show panicked revelers fleeing as gunfire erupted.

Rodolfo Gmez Cervantes, an Irapuato official, confirmed at a news conference that the death toll had risen to 12, with around 20 others wounded.

President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack and said an investigation is underway. The incident follows a similar tragedy last month in Guanajuato when seven people were killed during a Catholic Church event in San Bartolo de Berrios.

Located northwest of Mexico City, Guanajuato has become one of Mexico’s most violent states due to ongoing turf wars between criminal groups. The state recorded 1,435 homicides in the first five months of the year, more than double any other state.

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With inputs from Associated Press