Tabasco Market Merchants Close Shops Amid Shooting Scare, Authorities Claim it was Rocket Detonation

Just 24 hours after a violent day in Tabasco, the merchants of Villahermosa’s bustling market found themselves amidst a crisis. As the day unfolded, a reported shooting caused immediate panic, leading vendors to hastily close their stalls and seek cover. Social media was abuzz with videos and eyewitness accounts, capturing scenes of merchants pulling down shutters and gathering their goods in a frenzied attempt to evade the perceived danger. The sounds of gunfire seemed to echo through the streets near the José María Pino Suárez market, prompting a mass exodus from the city center.

The Ministry of Public Security of Tabasco issued a statement addressing the chaos. They indicated that after investigating the downtown area for “alleged detonations,” they found the sounds were attributed to rockets, not firearms, attempting to quell the fear that had rapidly spread. Yet, despite this announcement, neither state nor municipal authorities have provided a definitive confirmation or denial, leaving a shroud of uncertainty over the events.

Adding to the day’s turmoil, an alleged attack on the Municipal Police base near the market led to further alarm. Reports indicated that the National Guard and the Navy were mobilized to address the threat. Conflicting narratives emerged as some claimed a rocket was thrown at the police base, causing confusion and widespread fear among the residents. This incident came on the heels of a day marred by prison riots, roadblocks, and the burning of vehicles, culminating in a palpable sense of dread throughout the community.

The residents, caught in the sudden upheaval, ran to take shelter inside shops and nearby churches, hoping to avoid what many believed to be active gunfire. The authorities’ attempts to reassure the public were met with skepticism as people continued to share their firsthand experiences and videos of the chaos that gripped the city.

The impact on the local economy was immediate and severe. Villahermosa’s market, typically a hub of activity and commerce, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, was left deserted as most local stores closed their doors well before the usual time. Salvador Samperio Aguilar, from the Citizen Association of the Historic Center, reflected on the widespread panic that even spread to nearby commercial plazas. The anticipation for a profitable holiday season was dashed by the prevailing fear stemming from the recent violent events.

In response to the spreading rumors and fear, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection urged the public not to share false information and stated that the supposed detonations were just rockets. Despite these official statements, the atmosphere of anxiety lingered, significantly disrupting commercial activity in the affected areas.

As the community braced for December 24th, merchants were left hoping to recover some of their anticipated sales, still reeling from the events that had unfolded. The city of Villahermosa, typically vibrant and bustling, awaited a return to normalcy, but the memories of that chaotic day lingered, casting a long shadow over the festive season.