Masked vandals disrupt clean water protest

A second march for clean water in Guadalajara was marked by confrontations between protesters and masked individuals armed with blunt objects. The masked individuals, who were reportedly from other states, sparked violence by using sticks and tubes to detonate over 50 explosive devices, injuring a journalist from La Jornada and damaging businesses.

The protesters, who insisted on a peaceful demonstration, forced the masked individuals to retreat and accused them of causing chaos. The masked individuals reacted violently, throwing objects at businesses, smashing windows, and breaking into a department store and a jewelry center, where they stole merchandise.

Government Response

Prior to the march, the Jalisco government ordered the temporary closure of several train stations in the historic center of Guadalajara to avoid affecting passengers. Outside the government palace, masked individuals threw paint-filled balloons and vandalized the cathedral, government palace, and other buildings.

A contingent of hundreds of citizens then peacefully took to the streets, gathering in front of the government palace to demand that state and metropolitan authorities restore a safe and reliable water supply. The protesters repeatedly called on the masked individuals to uncover their faces and stop causing damage to urban furniture and businesses.

Vandalism and Violence

The masked individuals, however, continued to cause chaos, threatening civilians and journalists. Several citizens noticed that the masked individuals were carrying sharp objects and throwing fireworks at protesters, and a group of them subdued and disarmed two of the masked individuals, handing them over to the police.

The violence also affected a hotel and a restaurant, which were forced to close after their windows were smashed. Citizens complained about the lack of intervention by the police, who failed to act despite the chaos.

The masked individuals targeted the government palace, burning its doors, vandalizing its walls, and smashing its windows. They also climbed the walls to destroy security cameras. At one point, a woman and three minors, aged around 11, were seen bringing cartons and trash to burn at the palace gate.

Incendios y Destrozos

The masked individuals also started a fire at the state congress, where they burned the main door and threw blunt objects from outside. They then vandalized the walls and dismantled the fences surrounding the building. Additionally, they set fire to the back of the justice palace, burning trash containers and records from the Federal Electricity Commission.

As the violence continued, the police finally acted, pursuing and detaining individuals who were seen getting into unlicensed vehicles. The situation remained volatile, with the masked individuals continuing to cause chaos and the police struggling to restore order.