Mexico City’s Police Chief Shot By Gunmen; Two Cops Killed, 12 People Arrested

Around 6:30 AM Friday, heavily armed men with .50 caliber sniper rifles and grenades shot Mexico City’s Police chief and killed two of his police escorts.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico City’s Mayor, released information via Twitter, stating Chief Omar Garcia Harfuch was shot three times but was “out of danger” after what appears to be an assassination attempt, adding that an unspecified number of people have died. Mexico City’s attorney general Ernestina Godoy released a separate statement claiming twelve people were arrested.

Harfuch was transported to a nearby hospital and is said to be in stable condition.

Sheinbaum will share more details at a news conference set for Friday afternoon, the Daily Mail reports. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

President Andres Manuel Lopez claims the attack was attached to the outbreak of violence as local officials work to establish order in Mexico City. He offered his support and solidarity to the mayor and public security forces.

Mexico City is riddled with organized crime groups that operate in the town, although the motive and identity of the gunmen have yet been confirmed, Lopez is confident it has to do with Harfuch’s work for peace in the area. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

“It has to do without a doubt with the work he is carrying out to guarantee peace and tranquility,” Lopez said.

Residents were shocked over the heavy gunfire that rang out for several minutes in the area of Lomas de Chapultepec, an affluent part of the city, and the location of ambassadorial residences. Television images of the scene show police converging on the area, which is rarely troubled by violence.

US News reports, Mexican broadcaster Televisa said at least two policemen were injured in the incident.