Fatal attack with stabbing weapons and machetes at a school in Mexico

A member of the school administration was killed in an attack with stabbing weapons and machetes at a school in northern Mexico. At least three other people were injured, Mexican security authorities said. The two suspected perpetrators, former students, were arrested. The background was initially unclear.

“It was a brutal attack,” Coahuila state Attorney General Federico Fernández told reporters. The 18-year-old alleged attackers are brothers. “These two former students entered and attacked representatives of the school administration and some students,” said Fernández. The deputy headmistress was killed. The police started the investigation. According to media reports, at least one student is said to be among the injured.

School Official: There were around 170 children in the school

According to eyewitness reports, the attackers also used firecrackers or Molotov cocktails. They entered the morning (local time) wearing masks when a teacher entered the school in the municipality of Ejido La Unión in Torreón, a school official said. There were around 170 students in the school at the time of the attack. Secondary school students in Mexico are typically between 12 and 15 years old.

Attacks on schools were rare in Mexico until a few years ago. However, there have been several fatal incidents in the recent past. In order to ensure the safety of the school community, in many places school bags are checked before entering the school grounds or only transparent bags are permitted.