Violent spike preceded massacre in Veracruz

• KEY: Wednesday’s attack against a local nightclub in the coastal city of Coatazacoalcos (pop. 319k) that resulted in the death of 28 people so far was preceded by a spike of violence in Veracruz, Mexico’s third largest State in terms of population with at least 8.1 million.

• DATA: According to preliminary data compiled by a Mexican Govt. security working group, the number of intentional homicides in Veracruz jumped from 104 in December 2018 to 162 in August 2019; per reports, kidnappings & killings directly against women are also up.

• ADVICE: Despite this spike in violence in Southern Veracruz, the US State Department doesnt prohibit travel to Veracruz. Per State, the only recommendation for US travelers is to “exercise increased caution due to crime”, just as it advises for whole country of Mexico.

• WHO DIED: With the perpetrators still at large, preliminary information shows that at least 10 of the 28 deaths were women dancers, and that even two Filipino nationals visiting ended being killed while patronizing the “Caballo Blanco” nightclub.