U.S. official in Mexico shot in chest, in stable condition

Record ID: 163473

  • Title: U.S. official in Mexico shot in chest, in stable condition
  • Date: 8th January 2017
  • Summary: GUADALJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO (JANUARY 7, 2017) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF HOSPITAL WHERE INJURED OFFICIAL IS RECOVERING HOSPITAL ENTRANCE POLICE GUARDING HOSPITAL ENTRANCE EMERGENCY ROOM ENTRANCE POLICE VEHICLES OUTSIDE HOSPITAL POLICE AT HOSPITAL ENTRANCES AMBULANCE OUTSIDE HOSPITAL EXTERIOR OF HOSPITAL WITH POLICE VEHICLES
  • Embargoed: 23rd January 2017 03:12
  • Keywords: shooting U.S. consulate official Eduardo Almaguer
  • Location: GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
  • City: GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: Crime/Law/Justice,Crime
  • Reuters ID: LVA0055Y7XUMF
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:A U.S. consular official in the Mexican city of Guadalajara was shot by a gunman but was in stable condition, Mexican authorities said on Saturday (January 7), prompting the FBI to offer a reward for information.
    The victim was gunned down on Friday evening in Mexico's second largest city, in the often violent western state of Jalisco, according to Mexico's Attorney General and the U.S. embassy.
    Jalisco state Prosecutor Eduardo Almaguer told reporters the victim was targeted.
    "I can assure you and confirm to you that, according to the four videos that we have up to now, it was a direct act of aggression against this consulate collaborator," he said.
    The unidentified official was shot in the chest, said a source familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.
    The victim has been admitted to a local hospital where he is under police protection.
    Almaguer said the victim was in stable condition and added that Mexican law enforcement is working closely with U.S. officials on the matter.
    "He is in stable condition, delicate but stable, advancing medically. Also, there is a deep investigation process with this coordination, with these United States agencies so that we can identify and capture this aggressor quickly," he said.
    The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward of $20,000 (USD) for information that helps to identify the shooter.
    "The safety and security of our employees overseas is among our highest priorities," said an embassy spokesperson who declined to be identified.
    Jalisco is one of the engines of the Mexican economy, but the state's southern border turned into a battleground between rival drug cartels - the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNG) and the Michoacan-based Knights Templar.
    In May, 2015 JNG gunmen shot down an army helicopter in southwestern Jalisco, claiming the lives of six military personnel.
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