At least five people were killed and 15 more were injured in a shooting early this morning at the BPM Festival in Mexico, according to Mexican police. The shooting reportedly took place in front of the Blue Parrot nightclub in Playa Del Carmen, where people had gathered to celebrate the end of the 10 day-long festival.
The suspect was described as a “lone shooter” by the organizers, who said that three of the people killed were part of the festival’s security team.
“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,” BPM organizers wrote on Facebook. “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.”
People attending the party, including Mixmag reporter Valerie Lee and Scottish DJ Jackmaster, were among the first to report the shooting.
Shots were fired at Blue Parrot while we were in the building. We got out okay and are finding out more details
— ✌alerie (@valerie___lee) January 16, 2017
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
Shooting at Blue Parrot during elrow. Mother fuckers shot through the back where it's all open. I'm afraid it doesn't look good
— MoH (@Party_Mnstr) January 16, 2017
The FADER reports that the BPM Festival Twitter account quickly announced in a since-deleted tweet that all other BPM parties had been shut down. “We advise you to remain indoors and check with your companions to make sure everybody is safe,” another since-deleted tweet read.
UPDATE 10:15 am: CBS News and the Associated Press are both reporting that five people died during the shooting. Police officials told Milenio TV that four men were shot and killed, and that a woman died after falling in the ensuing chaos. From the AP:
Rodolfo Del Angel, director of police in the state of Quintana Roo, told the Milenio TV station that he shooting was the result of “a disagreement between people inside” the nightclub and said security guards had come under fire when they tried to contain the dispute.
UPDATE 12:08 pm: The Associated Press reports that two Canadians, an Italian, and a Colombian were killed in the shooting. All four appeared to be part of the festival’s security detail, according to Miguel Angel Pech, the attorney general of Quintana Roo state. The fifth victim was reportedly killed in a stampede triggered by the shooting. The incident reportedly began when a gunman entered the club and exchanged fire with someone inside; the four security guards were shot when they tried to intervene, according to Pech. It’s not yet known if any of the guards were armed. Pech also said the incident was not related to terrorism.
Read the festival’s full statement on the shooting below.
