A daylight shooting at a resort in Cancun has left one man dead, as reported by The Independent. The incident took place on Playa Caracol beach in front of the Riu Palace Las Americas hotel on Kukulcán Boulevard, a popular tourist area in Cancun. The victim, a 30-year-old Mexican national, was shot by at least two gunmen who then fled the scene on jet skis.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and confirmed the victim’s death, while authorities dispatched a boat to search for the suspects’ getaway jet skis. The victim was not a guest at the Riu Palace Las Americas hotel, according to a spokesperson from RIU Hotels, who assured that no guests or staff were harmed during the incident.
Terrified tourists and holidaymakers sought refuge inside nearby hotels as the shots rang out, with viral footage showing people in swimwear crowded in the reception area of the Riu Palace Las Americas hotel. The Attorney General’s Office of the State of Quintana Roo has launched an investigation into the shooting, which they suspect may be related to a previous shooting incident in July that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy by gunmen on jet skis.
It is believed that the shootings could be linked to drug-related activities, specifically disputes over drug sales in the area. Authorities from various enforcement agencies have converged on the scene to conduct a thorough investigation, with a focus on potential drug trafficking connections.
The local community remains shaken by the violence as authorities work to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in combating crime in popular tourist destinations like Cancun. For further updates on this developing story and more travel news and advice, stay tuned to The Independent.