Gunmen Kill Five Mexican Police Officers in Michoacan State

Five Mexican police officers were killed and five others wounded Wednesday when unknown assailants opened fire on their vehicle in the municipality of Nahuatzen, Michoacan state, local authorities said. The pickup truck carrying the officers was struck by multiple rounds, according to images released by authorities.

The attack took place in a region inhabited by the Purepecha people where the New Jalisco New Generation Cartel operates.

The Moriela Police Department posted the names of the slain officers on social media: Porfirio Rodriguez Briseno, Brandon Josue Zamora Torres, Francisco Javier Otero Damas, Jonatan Mondragon Servin and Mateo Valdez Abarca. A former city police chief posted condolences to the victims' families and called for those responsible to be arrested and punished.

Michoacan's security department said officers are searching for the perpetrators. Mexico's government has stated there is no security threat to visiting World Cup fans. Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with Canada and the United States. The U.S. Embassy noted this week that safety risks vary by region and that each Mexican state has its own travel advisory.

In late April, Mexican military forces captured a senior figure in the New Jalisco New Generation Cartel in the northwest of the country.