MEXICO CITY – Authorities reported that the organizer of a Christmas fair in southern Mexico was tragically murdered during the holiday event.
The governor of Guerrero state confirmed that gunmen claimed the life of Martín Ramírez Ruíz, who directed the annual Christmas and New Year’s fair in Chilpancingo, the state capital.
Gov. Evelyn Salgado described the Christmas Eve assassination as “an unacceptable act that will not go unpunished” and mentioned that state prosecutors had initiated an investigation into the incident on her social media platforms.

Currently, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, it is known that gangs in the area typically generate income through the extortion of local businesses and often resort to violence against those who refuse to comply with their demands.
In addition to Ramírez Ruíz, reports indicated that another individual was killed during the incident, while a third person was injured in a crowd gathered outside a church. The assailants appeared to have deliberately targeted Ramírez Ruíz as they entered the crowd.

Martín Ramírez Ruíz played a significant role as the leader of a civic organization that has organized an arts, food, and crafts fair in the region for nearly 200 years. The fair, which runs from around Christmas to January 7, also serves to honor the local patron saint, St. Matthew.

The city of Chilpancingo has been plagued by violent confrontations between two rival drug gangs, known as the Tlacos and the Ardillos, which has led to increased levels of violence directed at both officials and ordinary residents.
In November, authorities arrested a former prosecutor and local police official in connection with the horrific beheading of the city’s mayor that occurred on October 6.
Newly elected Mayor Alejandro Arcos was killed just a week into his tenure, with officials linking his murder to gang activity.
His dismembered body was discovered in a pickup truck, with his severed head displayed as a gruesome message from the gang.

This gang is also suspected of abducting and murdering 11 market vendors—including four minors—earlier in the fall.
These victims, who were related to one another, were taken while en route to sell their goods, and their remains were later found abandoned in a vehicle along the street in Chilpancingo.

Chilpancingo, home to approximately 300,000 residents, is experiencing overwhelming gang control. Earlier in 2023, one gang demonstrated their power by staging a large protest, seizing a government armored vehicle, blocking a vital highway, and taking police officers hostage for the release of arrested members.
Violence in Guerrero has surged to unprecedented heights, prompting Roman Catholic bishops to facilitate a temporary ceasefire earlier this year in another part of the state between rival drug cartels.