2 Dead, 1 Injured in Mexico Hotel Shooting

Travelers and vacationers hoping to take advantage of the relaxed COVID measures in Mexico experienced yet another act of violence on Friday. Earlier, Mexico’s Mayan Riviera saw shootings in October and November of 2021, sparking a response from the National Guard. On Friday, travelers again faced violence as a shooter left two dead and one injured. 

More Violence

According to Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez, Secretary of Public Security of Quintana Roo, the shooting erupted at the Hotel Xcaret México. It’s an upscale and all-inclusive hotel located in Playa del Carmen, a tourist town along the Caribbean coastline. On Friday afternoon, Hernández Gutiérrez confirmed one of the guests died in the hospital.  Later, state officials revealed that a second tourist died from the shooting. 

The prosecutor’s office released a statement via Twitter that the shooter was a known felon with a long record, including robbery, drug, and weapons charges. The two deceased victims also had long records. 

Camera Footage Caught the Mexico Hotel Shooting

Webcam footage caught the pandamonium following the shooting, taking place poolside. In the video, shots ring out off-screen, along with screams and people scrambling (viewer discretion advised). 

Quintana Roo prosecutor Óscar Montes de Oca, acting on intelligence from the Canadian Government, commented on the incident. “It was a direct and planned attack against these subjects with a fairly extensive criminal history,” de Oca said, according to local media. 

Hernández Gutiérrez released images of the suspected shooter on Twitter. The suspect wears a gray tracksuit and black facemask while brandishing a gun. Authorities are coordinating “a strong operation for his capture,” Hernandez tweeted: “Any information leading to his prompt arrest will be greatly appreciated.” The Canadian Government is in contact with the Mexican authorities to apprehend those responsible for the shooting at the hotel. The Mexican Government commits to cracking down on violence to keep tourists safe.