Gunmen open fire in Mexican resort, killing 7, including child

At least seven people were killed, including a child, after several gunmen opened fire in a Mexican resort in the central state of Guanajuato on Saturday, according to local authorities. 

The gunmen arrived at the La Palma resort in the town of Cortazar, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of the city of Guanajuato, at around 4:30 p.m., opening fire near the pool area of the hotel. 

"After the event, they fled, but not before causing damage to the resort store and taking the security cameras and the monitor," Cortazar's security department said in a statement.

Videos shared on social media of the incident show people in swimsuits screaming, running away, or trying to protect their children moments after the attack took place. 

A seven-year-old, three men and three women were killed during the attack, according to Cortazar’s police department. Additionally, one person was critically injured by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. 

Authorities have not yet identified who was behind the shooting. Members of the Mexican army and security forces were deployed to search for the suspects and investigate the incident.  

"Heavily armed sicarios arrived and this is what happened," said an unidentified man about the attackers.  

Guanajuato—one of the country’s most dangerous states—has seen a rise in gang violence in recent years, as rival drugs seek to expand their territory and find new routes to traffic drugs around the state. 

"The municipal government regrets the events that occurred and will provide the corresponding accompaniment to the relatives of those affected, also reiterating the willingness to cooperate with the relevant authorities pending that those responsible are brought to justice," the statement continued.