Five Dead in Shooting at Mexico’s BPM Festival
Five people were killed and a dozen more injured when gunfire broke out during the final night of the BPM Festival, an EDM music fest in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
The shooting took place at around 3:30 a.m. local time outside a venue called the Blue Parrot, which was hosting the closing party of the BPM fest.
“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 12 injured,” BPM said in a statement. The four victims were shot to death, while a subsequent fifth victim was trampled to death in the ensuing chaos, according to the New York Times.
“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.”
EDM artist Jackmaster was among those who tweeted during 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 wrote.
However, contrary to prior reports, the gunman never entered the Blue Parrot, and a rumored second shooting at a venue called the Jungle never occurred.
BPM organizers added in their statement, “The BPM Festival has been working closely with the local authorities 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.”
Video from the aftermath of the shooting has emerged on social media (via Thump):
BREAKING NEWS: Mass shooting reporting in the popular Mexican resort town of #PlayaDelCarmen. pic.twitter.com/semRlEdCxW
— kendis gibson (@kendisgibson) January 16, 2017
#BPMFestival #BlueParrot I was so close by the fence on the beach, shooting happened inside, not from the beach pic.twitter.com/KSLhNo0NDN
— MauroMC (@DJMauroMC) January 16, 2017
At press time, it’s unclear whether the gunman has been apprehended.