Gunshots fired near US Consulate in Mexico (AP)
By MARK WALSH, Associated Press Writer 58 minutes ago
MONTERREY, Mexico - Gunshots were fired Thursday near the U.S. Consulate in the northern Mexican city of Monterrey, prompting officials to beef up security at the building.
No one was injured and it wasn't clear if the gunshots were directed at the consulate. U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza described them as "fired in the vicinity."
The report of gunshots came just five days after two men opened fire on the consulate and threw a grenade that failed to explode. No one was hurt in the late night attack, which occurred when the consulate was closed.
Garza said he was suspending all visa services Thursday while officials assess the consulate's security situation.
"My highest priority is the security of our Embassy and Consulate community and those Mexicans who visit our facilities," he said.
Soldiers and police quickly surrounded the building, and Garza thanked the Mexican government for its quick response.
"We will continue to work closely with our Mexican counterparts in the law enforcement investigation of these incidents so that those responsible can quickly be brought to justice," he said.
It was unclear why the consulate would come under attack.
Mexico is caught in a rising tide of drug-related killings that have been fueled by warring drug cartels and a government effort to crack down on them. Thousands have been killed so far this year.
