U.S. tourist killed during Bad Bunny concert visit in Puerto Rico
- Kevin Mares, a 25-year-old tourist from New York, was shot while visiting Puerto Rico for a concert.
- The shooting occurred during an argument at a nightspot in La Perla, where Mares was an innocent bystander.
- This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in tourist areas despite efforts to reduce violence.
In an unfortunate incident in Puerto Rico, a 25-year-old U.S. tourist named Kevin Mares was fatally shot in La Perla, a seaside shantytown near Old San Juan. This shooting occurred in the early hours of a Sunday while Mares was attending one of Bad Bunny's 30 concerts, which have drawn numerous visitors to the island. The incident unfolded at a local nightspot known as 'Shelter for Mistreated Men,' where an argument erupted among a group of individuals near Mares, leading one person to pull a gun and shoot indiscriminately. Mares, reportedly an innocent bystander, sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and was subsequently transported to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Homicide detective Sergeant Arnaldo Ruiz provided insights into the ongoing investigation, confirming that the motive behind the argument and shooting is still unclear. Ruiz noted that two other local men were injured in the chaos and are currently hospitalized. La Perla, known for its past struggles with violence and criminal activity, has seen efforts towards revitalization in recent years. The area was previously notorious as a major heroin distribution point and was largely avoided by law enforcement and tourists alike. However, following a significant crackdown in 2011, crime rates have somewhat diminished, with increased safety promoted by influential Puerto Rican artists featuring La Perla in cultural works, notably the song 'Despacito.' Despite these improvements, isolated violent incidents persist, highlighting the challenges faced in fully transforming the community's reputation. The police have reported that Mares and his friends were attempting to take photographs of La Perla at the time they were warned against it. The patronage of Bad Bunny's residency has brought considerable tourism to Puerto Rico, creating mixed feelings among residents, especially in locales like La Perla where the clash between tourism and community dynamics can be sensitive. Given the island's track record of violence, this incident adds to the statistics, with 277 reported killings so far this year, showing a slight decline from the previous year. The tragic loss of Kevin Mares serves as an unsettling reminder of the risks that can arise even amidst celebratory occasions and the need for ongoing dialogue about safety in Puerto Rico's tourist hotspots.