A shocking incident unfolded on October 2, 2024, at a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico, when a man was fatally shot by gunmen who subsequently fled the scene on jet skis. The incident occurred on a beach near the Riu Caribe hotel, a popular destination for tourists, around noon.
According to reports from the Riviera Maya News and other sources, the victim, a 30-year-old Mexican national believed to be a businessman, was shot multiple times by four gunmen. Two of the assailants fled the scene on jet skis, while the other two escaped on foot.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with guests and staff at the Riu Caribe hotel running for cover after the shots rang out. The targeted shooting happened behind the Riu Caribe hotel, specifically at Playa Caracol, where the victim was handling jet skis when the attackers approached him on foot.
Paramedics who responded to the scene confirmed the man's death. Authorities quickly cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, including a search for clues both on land and in the water. A marina boat was dispatched to pursue the suspects who had fled on jet skis, but they were not captured.
Response and Investigation
The Riu Caribe Hotel issued a statement clarifying that the deceased was neither a guest nor an employee of the hotel. Local authorities, including municipal police, the National Guard, and the state prosecutor's office (FGE), were involved in the response and investigation.
The brazen nature of the attack has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in the area. Cancun, a major tourist hotspot in Mexico, has seen an increase in violent incidents linked to drug trafficking organizations in recent years. This incident is part of a broader trend of violent crime in the region, which has prompted the Mexican government to enhance security measures along the Riviera Maya.
Security Concerns and Travel Advisories
The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for several areas in Mexico due to 'crime and kidnapping.' The advisory notes that 'violent crime such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery is widespread and common in Mexico.' This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for heightened vigilance among tourists.
The incident is reminiscent of other violent episodes in the area, such as the 2021 execution of two suspected members of a drug trafficking organization on a beach in Puerto Morelos, and the shooting of two Canadians at a resort in the Riviera Maya in the same year. These incidents highlight the complex security landscape in Mexico and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining safety in tourist areas.
For more information on the security situation in Mexico and its impact on tourism, you can refer to the crime in Mexico page on Wikipedia.
