National Guard Gunman Kills Three Colleagues at Michoacán Barracks; Suspect Detained

A member of Mexico's National Guard opened fire at a barracks in the western state of Michoacán over the weekend, killing three fellow service members and wounding a fourth, authorities said. The suspect was taken into custody and an internal investigation is underway.

Details of the Incident

A federal official confirmed the shooting to The Associated Press on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly. The official said the fourth service member was wounded and that investigators are probing the motive and circumstances of the attack.

The shooting occurred Saturday, just hours after a car bomb exploded in Coahuayana, Michoacán, killing five people outside a local police station. President Claudia Sheinbaum declined to provide additional details on Monday.

Security Response and Context

Both the car bombing and the internal National Guard shooting came as the federal government has stepped up security operations in Michoacán. Last month President Sheinbaum dispatched an additional 2,000 troops on top of roughly 4,300 permanent federal forces in the state and some 4,000 personnel deployed in neighboring states after two recent high-profile killings — an outspoken representative of lime growers and a mayor known for confronting cartel influence.

At least three of the groups previously designated by the U.S. government during the Trump administration as terrorist organizations — Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), United Cartels and The New Michoacán Family — operate in Michoacán. Numerous local armed splinter groups are also active in the state, and some are reported to have ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.

What officials say: Authorities confirmed the suspect is in custody and the shooting is under investigation. Federal authorities have not released further details pending the inquiry.

The situation underscores the volatile security environment in parts of western Mexico, where federal reinforcements are attempting to curb cartel-related violence and protect local communities and law-enforcement personnel.