Councilwoman killed, children injured in shooting at Christmas event in Peru

A shooting at a Christmas event in northern Peru has left a local councilwoman dead and several other people injured, including children, according to local media reports.

The incident occurred Thursday afternoon at a town plaza in the Chicama area, where families had gathered for a Christmas celebration, according to Peruvian media. Chicama is located in the La Libertad region along Peru’s northern coast.

Chicama councilwoman Elena Rojas was reported to be the apparent target of the attack, according to local media. She was seen being loaded into a vehicle shortly after the shooting, and subsequent reports said she died from her injuries.

Several people were wounded by gunfire, including at least four children who were attending the event, where children’s performances were underway and gifts were scheduled to be distributed, according to local reports.

Authorities have not confirmed the total number of injured or their conditions, though preliminary reports indicated that as many as nine people may have been among the victims.

Video from the scene showed moments of panic, with bystanders carrying at least one young woman away from the plaza, apparently to transport her to a hospital.

According to witnesses cited by Diario Correo, attendees were watching a show when two gunmen on motorcycles arrived and opened fire. Police are investigating the case, and no arrests have been announced.

Peru has experienced a rise in violent crime in recent years, including gang-related violence linked to drug trafficking and territorial control, as well as extortion.

In October, members of the popular cumbia group Agua Marina were shot during a live concert in Lima, leaving six people injured, including four band members. That incident led to widespread criticism of President Dina Boluarte and led to a motion in Congress seeking her removal from office.