In a shocking development, heavy gunfire erupted at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge on the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday at 3 p.m. CDT.
The bridge, which is a vital border crossing point between Texas and Mexico, has been rocked by the outburst of violence.
According to eyewitnesses on the scene, the gunfire began suddenly and several individuals were forced to seek shelter as the situation quickly escalated.
Reports suggest that several people have been shot, with unconfirmed reports indicating that at least three people have been killed.
One Mexican media organization reported the confrontation “occurred between elements of the army and armed civilians; the preliminary balance is three alleged criminals killed.”
The authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident or the number of casualties.
The Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge is a crucial artery for trade and travel between the United States and Mexico, and any disruption to its operations could have a significant impact on cross-border relations.
The cause of the gunfire and the identity of the perpetrators are still unknown, and it is unclear whether the situation has been brought under control.
The public is advised to avoid the area until the situation is resolved and further updates are provided by the authorities.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
Last month, truckers on the Mexican side of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge staged a protest by blocking northbound lanes.
They were demonstrating against Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) order for enhanced commercial vehicle inspections.
The truck drivers voiced their frustration, expressing exhaustion from waiting for days in the miles-long line that extended all the way to the Reynosa airport.
In fact, one driver told Channel 5 News that he had been waiting in line for days.
Earlier in the same month, Governor Abbott had directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to carry out more rigorous safety inspections on commercial vehicles entering Texas from Mexico.
This measure aimed to prevent the smuggling of contraband, drugs, and migrants.
The directive was prompted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) announcement that Title 42, a Trump-era policy that allowed officials to turn away migrants due to COVID-19 concerns, would end on May 23.
