Four people have been killed and a dozen others injured after a gunman opened fire at the BPM Festival in Mexico. The 10-day electronic music fest, which began January 6, is held at various locations around Playa Del Carmen, a Mexican resort that NBC News reports is popular with foreign tourists.
Playa del Carmen is roughly 45 miles south of Cancun and located nearby the travel destination island of Cozumel. The shooting occurred during the fest’s closing party a few hours ago.
BPM Festival released an official statement early Monday (January 16) morning.
“It is with great sadness to share that police have confirmed reports of a lone shooter outside the Blue Parrot nightclub in Playa Del Carmen earlier today, which resulted in four fatalities and twelve injured,” writes the organizers, the BPM Festival Familia. “The violence began on 12th street in front of the club and three members of the BPM security team were among those whose lives were lost while trying to protect patrons inside the venue.”
It continues: “The BPM Festival has been working closely with the local authorities (Seguridad Publica / Policia Turistica) throughout the festival to ensure public safety and security for all visitors. We are overcome with grief over this senseless act of violence and we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement and government officials as they continue their investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families and all those affected by these tragic events.”
Earlier this morning, DJ Jackmaster tweeted out news of the shooting.
Someone has come into the club in Playa Del Carmen and opened fire. 4-5 dead and many wounded. Stay in ur fuckin hotel if you’re here at BPM
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) January 16, 2017
This is a very very sad situation. Tryna get my head around it still. Thoughts and condolences to all affected ♥
— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster) January 16, 2017
More to come. BPM Festival photo via Wizard Riviera Maya.