Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: CEN
WARNING: GRAPHIC AND DISTRESSING CONTENT
Video Credit: CEN/@SoldeCuernavaca
This is the moment an interview with a government official and former Copa America referee is cut short by loud gunshots and screams as a nearby protester is shot dead.
The shocking incident occurred during a protest in the city of Cuernavaca, in the central Mexican state of Morelos as the Head of the Social Development of Morelos, Gilberto Alcala, was being interviewed.
Local media report the protesters, belonging to the Confederation of Workers of Mexico (Confederacion de Trabajadores de Mexico-CTM) were blocking the streets next to the Government Palace in the main square of the city.
Pictures Credit: CEN & CEN/@SoldeCuernavaca
They were asking to be included in the conversation about the regulation of street sellers in the city centre.
In the video, Alcala, a former professional football referee, can be seen talking to the camera when loud gunshots suddenly ring out.
Panic ensues as reporters and Alcala sprint to safety around the corner of a building as people can be heard screaming.
Local media report trader Jesus Garcia, known as Don Chuy, was shot in the incident as he was giving an interview to reporters.
Garcia was taken to Parres Hospital with serious injuries and later died, according to state commissioner Jose Antonio Ortiz Guarnero.
Video Credit: CEN
The shooter, named in reports as Maximiliano, reportedly continued firing into the air after shooting Garcia before being arrested and taken into the government palace, according to reports.
Guarnero added: “We regret the death of Jesus Garcia and we support the injured people and we will be conscious to give all the information to citizens.”
According to local media, reporter Rene Perez, who works for Quien Resulte Responsable and Roberto Castrejo, a leader for local traders, were injured, along with other unidentified people.
Another clip shows one of those injured lying on the ground when a passerby appears to steal something from their pockets and run away.
None of those in the second video have been identified.
Alcala confirmed on social media that he was not injured in the incident. It is unclear if the suspect has been charged.
