A fun night of dancing and celebration in the Mexican city of Irapuato turned into a tragedy when gunmen opened fire, killing 12 people and injuring at least 20 others, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident took place during a public celebration for St. John the Baptist, where people had gathered on the streets to enjoy music and drinks. According to videos shared online, the crowd panicked as gunshots rang out, with many screaming and running for cover.

At a news conference, Irapuato official Rodolfo Gómez Cervantes confirmed that the number of people killed had risen to 12. He also shared that the shooting had left about 20 more people wounded.

Mexico’s new President, Claudia Sheinbaum, called the attack “sad” and said that it is under investigation.

The state of Guanajuato, where Irapuato is located, has seen increasing violence in recent years. Just last month, seven people were shot and killed at a party organized by the Catholic Church in San Bartolo de Berrios, also in the same state.

Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s most violent states, as criminal groups fight over territory. So far this year, there have been 1,435 homicides reported in the state, more than double the number in any other Mexican state.

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