A Mexican national was shot and killed in broad daylight near the upscale Riu Caribe resort in Cancun on Wednesday, with the suspects escaping on jetskis, according to reports.
According to Riviera Maya News, the attack believed to be targeted, occurred around noon behind the five-star hotel.
The victim, described as a man in his 30s, was approached by at least two gunmen who fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. While the victim’s identity has not been confirmed, the hotel issued a statement clarifying that he was neither a guest nor an employee.
Footage shared on social media showed tourists and staff gathered in the hotel lobby, shaken by the incident. Rooms at the Riu Caribe can cost up to $350 per night.
Local authorities suspect the victim may have been involved in the murder of a 12-year-old boy earlier this summer.
In that case, two gunmen on jetskis also opened fire on a beach, accidentally killing the child during an attempt to target a rival drug dealer, CBS News reported.
In response to the rising violence in Mexico, the U.S. State Department has urged American tourists to exercise increased caution when travelling to the region, citing concerns about widespread violent crime, including homicides, kidnappings, and robberies.
