Cancun Governor Seeks Extra Security Following Two Shootings

Carlos Joaquin, governor of Quintana Roo, the coastal state of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, has asked the Mexican government for security assistance following two attacks by gunmen this week.

Officials said one police officer and three gunmen died when a gunman opened fire on a prosecutor’s office in Cancun. Five suspects were arrested.

Police are investigating whether that incident is related to Monday’s attack on an electronic music festival in Playa Del Carmen, where a gunman opened fire at the crowd in the Blue Parrot Nightclub, killing 5 and injuring 15 others. A Canadian, an Italian and a U.S. citizen were identified among the victims.

The governor said the attacks were fueled by his crackdown on crime and drugs.

Travel agents remain mostly unconcerned, however. Jamie Wilkie, an agent at Travel Travel, said it’s a random act of violence that can happen anywhere. “Cancun—and Mexico—is a huge leisure destination. A majority of the time things are fine.”

Yvonne Malka, of Nonstop Travel in Torrance, CA, agreed. It’s the nature of the business; some clients aren’t scared of anything, while others will worry, she said.