Today, January 16, 2017 in Playa del Carmen, at the nightclub Blue Parrot unfortunate events resulted in the injury of fifteen people and the deaths of five others, some of which were of security staff at the event.
The intolerance and the resulting conflict between two individuals provoked this unfortunate event that fills us with indignation and sorrow. We are truly saddened with unfortunate loss of:
Mr. Kirk Wilson,
Mr. Daniel Pessina
Mr. Rafael Antonio Peñaloza Vega and two other people not identified yet.
On behalf of myself and the community of Quintana Roo, we respectfully extend our deepest condolences to the relatives of those affected by this tragic event. We feel with them their sorrow, grief and sadness in this most difficult time.
I would also like to express my deepest regret for those who were injured:
Mr. Hector Estrada Rivera
Mr. Ateell Jacobo Chavez Luna
Mrs. Wendy Isabel Ramos Pasos
Mr. Geovanny Amparan Zaragoza
Mr. Isaias Montejo Sanchez
Mrs. Heather Parhan
Mr. Michael Palenque
Mr. Bria Didzo
Mr. Robert Griffin
Mr. Mario José Juan
Mr. Andrés Rivera
Mr. Ignacio Busto Valencia
Mr. Ángel Ortega
Mr. Armando Agustín Miranda Sarabia
Mr. Fardy Omar Domínguez Limón
Rest assured that my office and I will do everything necessary to exact justice.
The unfortunate events have caused an international reaction of solidarity and uncertainty. Because of the latter, I would like to take a moment to outline what we currently know of this regrettable event.
Initial investigations have revealed that there was a discharge of firearm to an attendee of the festival. Event security intervened and confronted the shooter.
The conflict and subsequent shooting caused panic and chaos at the event. While attempting to vacate the premisses, a woman stumbled and was trampled to death by the mass of people fleeing the club.
As previously mentioned, five people lost their lives and fifteen others were injured. Of the fifteen injured, eight of the victims have been discharged from the hospital and one is still in critical condition.
The Government of Quintana Roo is working hard with investigators, so that justice can be carried out efficiently and within the confines of the law. The investigations will focus on the involvement of the local authorities regarding the organization of the music festival and the protection of the attendees.
I would like to reiterate that a very thorough investigation will be carried out in order to bring to justice the parties involved. Further measures will be taken to continue to maintain the safety, security and well being at all our tourist destinations.
Full support from the government is being given to the families of the people who have passed, as well to the injured and their relatives, we are keeping a constant communication in order to be aware of their health condition.
Consulates have established a link to locate and facilitate contact with the people who have been injured, especially those who unfortunately have lost their lives.
All crimes are reprehensible, but certainly more those who have consequences on innocent lives.
My commitment is to bring into justice those who have committed these reprehensible acts of violence.
The state of Quintana Roo, remains in calm and order, public servitors of all orders are working together to arrest the responsible and bring them to justice.
We will implement decisive actions to avoid aggressions of any kind and to keep being the window of México and the pride of all Mexicans.
Thank you very much.
