A 35-year-old Cuban man was critically injured in a shooting early Wednesday morning inside the Muuk Tulum hotel, situated in the Fundadores neighborhood of the popular tourist city in Yucatán. The assault unfolded around 3:30 a.m. when two masked individuals entered the hotel, found the victim's room, and fired at least four shots before fleeing. Authorities suspect the incident was a botched execution attempt tied to organized crime.
Failed Midnight Execution Attempt
Reports indicate the assailants specifically targeted room 314, where the victim, identified as Yunier B. D., was staying. According to Sol Yucatán, it was the victim's romantic partner who opened the door, at which point the attackers fired directly at Yunier. Disguised as hotel staff, the perpetrators used what are believed to be 9mm handguns. They swiftly left the scene without arrests being made.
Medical Condition and Urgent Transport
The Cuban national suffered gunshot wounds to the face, arm, and leg, as per initial reports. Paramedics from the private unit Salud y Vida responded promptly to a 911 call made by hotel staff. After being stabilized at the IMSS Bienestar Hospital in Tulum, the victim was urgently transferred to Playa del Carmen General Hospital due to the severity of his injuries and the initial hospital's lack of adequate equipment. While Grupo Pirámide claims his condition is stable, outlets like Sol Yucatán and Diario de Yucatán reported his state as critical during transport.
Signs of Criminal Activity in the Hotel Room
During the subsequent investigation, authorities discovered items indicative of potential illegal activities. Among the evidence were two precision scales, approximately 300 packets containing suspected drugs, and packaging sealers. This discovery has strengthened the hypothesis of a possible drug-related vendetta.
Diario de Yucatán further mentions that the Cuban was an "international guest alleged to be a small-time drug dealer," reinforcing the theory connecting the attack to organized crime.
Authorities' Reaction and Rising Violence
Municipal police, the National Guard, the Mexican Army, and the State Attorney General's Office arrived at the scene to secure the area and gather evidence. No arrests have been reported so far. This attack occurred less than a day after another armed assault in the Ya’ax Tulum neighborhood, where two individuals were executed, and another was injured. The surge in violent incidents has stirred significant unease among both locals and the tourism sector.
Sol Yucatán notes, "The attack [...] questions the ability of the municipal government led by Diego Castañón to curb violence," adding that "the growing perception of insecurity has sparked outrage among both citizens and the tourism sector, a cornerstone of Tulum’s economy."
Escalating Violence in the Region
Once marketed as a peaceful haven connected to nature, Tulum is now grappling with a severe security crisis. Drug-related violence has been intensifying in urban and hotel areas, causing concern among investors, tourists, and residents alike. Incidents like the shooting at Muuk hotel are not isolated; they represent a pattern of increasing confrontations, executions, and armed incursions, often occurring in previously safe times and places. The local community and tourism industry are anxiously awaiting decisive actions to restore safety to one of the Mexican Caribbean's key destinations.
FAQs on Recent Violent Incidents in Tulum
What happened to the Cuban national in Tulum?
The Cuban man was shot multiple times by masked attackers in a hotel room, suspected to be linked to organized crime activities.
What evidence was found in the hotel room?
Authorities discovered precision scales, packets of suspected drugs, and packaging sealers, indicating possible criminal activity.
How are authorities responding to the violence in Tulum?
Local and national law enforcement have been involved in securing the area and gathering evidence, although no arrests have been made yet.