10 dead as gunmen open fire in central Mexico bar

Gunmen open fire in a truck pulled up to a bar in central Mexico and killing 10 people, authorities said, in an area that had been spared the worst of the country’s raging criminal violence.

The attack on Los Cantaritos bar in Queretaro’s downtown district left 10 people dead inside and at least seven injured, according to the city’s public security department chief Juan Luis Ferrusca.

“Emergency services arrived at the scene and confirmed that at least four people armed with long weapons had arrived on board a pickup truck,” Ferrusca said in a video on social media.

One suspect was detained and the vehicle used in the attack was found abandoned and set on gunmen open fire, he said, adding that there were no reports of similar incidents in the city.

Recent Events and the Underlying Issues

The victims included three women, according to the Queretaro state prosecutor’s office, which said forensic experts were examining the scene of the attack and the vehicle of gunmen open fire.

Queretaro, the capital of Queretaro state, is considered one of the safer cities in Mexico and range in gunmen open fire, which has been plagued by years of drug cartel-related violence.

Located around 200 kilometers (120 miles) northwest of Mexico City, it is known for its Spanish colonial architecture.

Spiraling violence occurs as gunmen open fire, much of it linked to drug trafficking and gangs, has seen more than 450,000 people murdered in Mexico since 2006.

Tackling the murders and kidnappings that are a daily occurrence in Mexico is among the major challenges facing President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The Rising Trend of Gun Violence

Gun violence has escalated considerably over the past decade, with incidents of open-fire shootings occurring in various regions, often targeting densely populated areas or prominent public venues. This increase can be attributed to multiple factors, such as socioeconomic issues, mental health crises, and ease of access to firearms. While some countries have introduced stricter gun regulations, others continue to face challenges, resulting in a persistent threat to public safety.

Factors Contributing to Gun Violence

The complexity of gun violence requires a detailed understanding of the myriad factors contributing to this issue. Key contributors include:

1. Easy Accessibility to Firearms
   In many countries, legal frameworks allow for relatively easy access to firearms, including high-capacity assault weapons. The unrestricted availability of firearms enables potential attackers to easily obtain weapons, heightening the risk of shootings.
2. Mental Health Challenges
   Mental health is a critical factor that, if inadequately addressed, may lead to violent behavior. Studies show that many individuals involved in mass shootings had a history of untreated or undiagnosed mental health issues. The lack of accessible mental health care exacerbates the problem, as individuals in crisis may resort to violent actions as an outlet for their frustrations.
3. Social and Economic Pressures
   Socioeconomic hardships often create environments of stress and disillusionment, particularly in underprivileged communities. Lack of job opportunities, poverty, and inadequate education contribute to a sense of hopelessness, which can manifest in extreme acts of violence, including gun violence.
4. Influence of Media and Social Platforms
   The portrayal of violence in media and social platforms sometimes desensitizes individuals to the real-life consequences of violent actions. Additionally, some shooters seek notoriety or aim to gain attention through their actions, influenced by coverage of similar incidents.

The former Mexico City mayor, who became the country’s first woman president on October 1, has ruled out declaring “war” on drug cartels may be the cause of incident gunmen open fire.

Instead she has pledged to continue her predecessor’s strategy of using social policy to tackle crime at its roots, while also making better use of intelligence.

The northwestern cartel stronghold of Sinaloa has seen a surge in violence since the July arrest of drug lord Ismael Zambada in the United States and in the favour of gunmen open fire unleashed a wave of gang infighting.

There has also been a spike in bloodshed in the southern state of Guerrero, the scene of long-running gang turf wars.

Authorities said Thursday that the bodies of 11 people, including two minors, were found abandoned in a pickup truck in the state capital Chilpancingo.

They were part of a group of 17 people — reported to be traveling merchants — who were declared missing last month.