Shooting at AICM: Neza police shoot woman in the head, injure man for “not stopping during inspection”; officers in custody.

Municipal police officers from Nezahualcóyotl engaged in a gunfire exchange during a vehicular pursuit at Terminal 2 of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), resulting in two individuals being injured. Among them was a woman who sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Reports indicate that the justification provided by the police for the shooting was the driver’s failure to comply with a police inspection.

The incident unfolded when Nezahualcóyotl municipal police attempted to stop a vehicle for inspection at the airport’s Terminal 2. However, the driver allegedly refused to halt, prompting the pursuing officers to open fire. In the crossfire, two people sustained injuries, including a female passenger who was struck in the head by a bullet.

Preliminary reports suggest a tense and chaotic scene as gunshots echoed through the air, causing panic among bystanders and travelers present at the bustling terminal. Witnesses recounted scenes of confusion and distress as people scrambled for safety amid the unfolding violence.

Authorities swiftly arrived at the scene to contain the situation and provide medical assistance to the injured victims. Emergency medical services were dispatched, and paramedics worked diligently to stabilize the wounded individuals before transferring them to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The woman with the head injury remains in critical condition, while the extent of the other victim’s injuries is not yet known.

Following the incident, the Nezahualcóyotl municipal police department released a statement asserting that the use of lethal force was justified due to the driver’s refusal to comply with the police inspection. However, this claim has raised concerns and sparked public debate over the proportionality of the response. Critics argue that the use of firearms in such situations should be a last resort, necessitated by an imminent threat to the lives of the officers or others present.

The incident has also prompted discussions on the protocols and training provided to law enforcement officers regarding the use of force and high-pressure situations. Advocates emphasize the importance of comprehensive training programs that prioritize de-escalation techniques and alternatives to lethal force, with an aim to minimize the risk of unnecessary harm during police operations.

As investigations into the incident are underway, local authorities have assured the public that a thorough and impartial inquiry will be conducted to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting. The findings of the investigation will play a crucial role in determining whether any disciplinary or legal action is warranted against the involved officers.

The incident at Terminal 2 of AICM serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in ensuring public safety while maintaining the trust and confidence of the communities they serve. The aftermath of this incident will undoubtedly fuel ongoing discussions and efforts to improve police practices, enhance accountability, and foster greater transparency in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

David Baker

David Baker