7 killed in Mexico Independence Day grenade attack

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-17 09:29

MORELIA, Mexico -- Assailants threw two grenades into a huge crowd of Independence Day revelers, killing seven and injuring more than 100 in a brazen attack that escalates the war between Mexico's army and drug gangs.

Civilians and policemen help the injured at Morelia's main square September 15, 2008. Explosions ripped through a crowd of people celebrating Mexican independence day, killing seven and wounding about 50. [Agencies]

The military fragmentation grenades shattered a family-friendly gathering of thousands in the cobblestone streets not far from where President Felipe Calderon grew up. He pledged an immediate military response Tuesday and urged Mexicans not to be afraid.

However, in a country increasingly terrified and outraged by both drug violence and common crime, the attack drove home a tragic message: No place is safe.

"These illegal acts were clearly attacking our national security, committed by true traitors who have no respect for others or for the country," Calderon said. "Those who believe they can use fear to hold our society hostage and immobilize us are mistaken. ... They are doomed to fail."

Since taking office in 2006, Calderon has sent more than 25,000 soldiers to confront the cartels that move marijuana and cocaine into the United States, and the gangs have responded with daytime shootouts, assassinations, beheadings and massacres. Michoacan state, which is home to Morelia, has seen more than its share of this violence.

The latest came during the traditional "grito," or shout for independence, late Monday night. Michoacan Gov. Leonel Godoy had just finished shouting "Viva Mexico!" from a balcony, when the two grenades exploded simultaneously in the crowd, blocks apart.

At first, the throngs of families thought the explosions were part of the fireworks display. Then thick, black smoke rose from the crowd, people started screaming and the cathedral's bells fell silent. As the crowd cleared, rescuers attended to the wounded and dead.

Both state emergency officials and state prosecutors said seven were killed, although there were earlier reports that the death toll had risen to eight.

Godoy, who was unhurt, said witnesses saw a heavyset man wearing black throw one of the grenades, then beg forgiveness for what he had done. But he provided no more details, and there were no immediate claims of responsibility. Authorities made no arrests.

"Without a doubt, we believe this was done by organized crime," he said. The governor's office later said he was traveling to Mexico City late Tuesday to meet with Calderon.

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