The shooting occurred when a gunman entered the venue and opened fire, targeting Roaro. Local media reported that authorities arrested one individual in connection with the attack. In a public statement, the Apaseo el Grande city council condemned the incident as “treacherous” and “despicable.”

Guanajuato, despite its industrial development and tourist appeal, continues to face serious security challenges, largely stemming from turf battles between criminal groups.

Region Struggles With Organized Violence

Authorities link much of the region’s violence to ongoing conflict between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US government.

In 2024, Guanajuato recorded more than 3,000 murders—accounting for over 10% of the national total. Violent incidents, including mass shootings at private gatherings and public spaces, have persisted into 2025.

Recent Incidents Underscore Escalation

June saw 11 people killed and 20 injured in a shooting at a neighborhood party in Irapuato. Earlier discoveries included 17 bodies in an abandoned house and seven people—including children—shot dead at another crime scene. In separate incidents, five women and three men were killed in the street, and gun battles between police and armed groups left 10 suspects dead.

These repeated acts of violence underscore the scale and persistence of organized crime in the state.