Culiacán, Sinaloa - Violence has escalated dramatically in Culiacán, as two separate incidents on Thursday, January 23, 2023, highlight the growing security crisis affecting this city. A strong explosion at the cenotaph of Edgar Guzmán López, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, and the shooting of municipal police officers have sent ripples of fear and unrest through the community.
The morning began with reports of gunfire near Parque 87, where municipal police were allegedly ambushed by armed individuals. According to Verona Hernández Valenzuela, the spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Public Security, two police officers identified as Isidro and Francisco Eduardo were killed, and another officer was injured. This attack serves as another indicator of the dangers faced by law enforcement as they navigate rampant violence associated with organized crime.
Simultaneously, nearby, the cenotaph dedicated to Edgar Guzmán López was damaged after being struck by explosives. Eyewitness accounts indicate the cenotaph—a site adorned with roses and balloons on significant dates—suffered severe damage due to the blast. The explosion left the steel and marble cross shattered, marking another disquieting turn of events for residents who traditionally commemorate Guzmán’s life.
Detailing the incident, Hernández stated, "Se recibió reporte de disparos primeramente y después de una explosión," confirming gunfire preceded the explosion at the cenotaph, emphasizing the chaotic atmosphere.
Culiacán is no stranger to such violence. The cenotaph itself has become symbolic not only of the Guzmán family but also of the tumultuous history the city endures. Residents frequently decorate the site with flowers during anniversaries and significant dates—most poignantly the anniversary of Guzmán's death on May 8, 2008, and his birthday on May 30. Community members have commented on the ritualistic practices surrounding the cenotaph, with many recalling how, back on the Mother's Day of 2008, roses were nowhere to be found due to the devastating events linked to Guzmán's assassination.
Witnesses to Thursday’s events reported seeing multiple vehicles damaged from the crossfire at Parque 87. This blatant display of violence underlines the serious threats facing the community. Local emergency services were notified immediately, and the response was swift, with law enforcement arriving at the scene to assess the damage and assist victims.
While the city grapples with the aftermath of this violence, residents have begun mobilizing, driven by grief and anger over recent tragedies. Just hours after the police shooting, demonstrators gathered outside the Palacio de Gobierno, demanding justice for the recent killings of two children, Gael and Alexander, alongside their father, victims of violence themselves. Protesters broke down barriers to access the main doors of the government building, reflecting the urgency and desperation of community members seeking accountability from their leaders.
The situation grew fraught as many community members entered the building to voice their concerns to the state governor, Rubén Rocha Moya. Despite their efforts, reports indicate some protesters were left unaddressed and went home discontented, highlighting the challenges authorities face amid public outrage and calls for effective measures to improve local security.
Family and friends of the deceased children came not only to mourn but to highlight the severe repercussions of unchecked violence affecting family units. Demonstrators held signs, donned white attire—symbolizing peace—and shouted slogans like "con los niños" (“with the children”) to honor the victims and advocate for a safer environment for those left behind.
With the string of violent incidents continuing to disrupt the lives of Culiacán residents, the calls for peace have never been more urgent. The political and social environment remains volatile, with citizens increasingly vocal about their demands for justice and safety. Nevertheless, authorities remain challenged by the complexity of the violence, rooted deeply within the city’s troubled history entwined with organized crime.
The tragic events occurring at the cenotaph and the police shooting highlight the urgent need for effective interventions addressing violence and insecurity. Moving forward, it's imperative for citizens and authorities to engage collaboratively to devise solutions capable of fostering peace amid the chaos prevailing.