A 12-year-old boy was killed on a beach in Cancun after gunmen on jet skis opened fire, allegedly targeting a rival drug dealer, according to Mexican officials.
The incident, which took place on Kukulcán Boulevard in the municipality of Benito Juárez on Sunday, is now under investigation by the Attorney General’s office.
General view of beaches along Cancun hotel zone in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Dec. 4, 2023.
Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Prosecutors said they believe “attackers arrived by sea, aboard a jet ski shooting at some people presumably in dispute for drug sales.”
The 12-year-old, who has not been publicly identified, is not believed to have been purposefully targeted by the shooters.
“The authorities arrived immediately and the minor was transferred to the hospital where, unfortunately, he lost his life,” prosecutors said.
The boy and his family, who were present at the time of the shooting, are Mexican and from the municipality.
Mexican officials have confirmed the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy in a shooting incident that took place on a beach in Cancun. The incident involved gunmen on jet skis who opened fire on beachgoers, causing chaos and panic among those enjoying a day at the popular tourist destination.
The young boy, whose name has not been released, was struck by a stray bullet during the shooting and tragically lost his life. The senseless act of violence has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Cancun.
According to reports, the gunmen arrived on jet skis and began shooting indiscriminately at beachgoers before fleeing the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and trying to determine the motive behind the attack.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and insecurity that plagues certain parts of Mexico, including popular tourist destinations like Cancun. While authorities have made efforts to improve security in recent years, incidents like this highlight the challenges they continue to face in combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike.
In response to the shooting, Mexican officials have vowed to increase security measures in Cancun and other tourist areas to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They have also called for cooperation from the public in reporting any suspicious activity or individuals that may pose a threat to public safety.
The death of the 12-year-old boy is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact that violence can have on innocent lives. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we hope that justice will be served for this senseless act of violence.
