Former Security Consultant For State Department Killed In Mexico In Apparent Cartel Ambush

A former security consultant for the U.S. State Department was killed in Mexico, with authorities considering the possibility that the crime was perpetrated by cartel operatives.

The incident took place in a restaurant in Guadalajara, where Cesar Guzman was having dinner with two instructors with whom he had completed a security and intelligence training course for Jalisco police.

The colleagues in question were former Mexican officials, according to Arturo Fontes, a retired FBI agent who detailed how the events unfolded in a LinkedIn post. Carlos Amador, former undersecretary of security for the state of Hidalgo, was also killed, while Pablo Cajigal, the former Secretary of Security for Chihuahua, was wounded. He "sustained nine gunshot wounds to his abdomen and is currently in critical but stable condition," Fontes said.

"Just last week, I celebrated Cesar's 50th birthday and spoke with all three of them, wishing them success in their class. This serves as a poignant reminder to cherish life and appreciate each moment, as we never know what tomorrow may hold," Fontes added.

Citing Mexican outlets, CBS News detailed that unidentified gunmen shot at them before fleeing in a red Nissan. The U.S. consulate in Guadalajara clarified the men were not working for a diplomatic mission. "We are deeply concerned about any act of violence and express our condolences to the victims and their families," it added.

It is the latest high-profile crime in the country, where politicians in office have also been targeted. Earlier in May, the mayoral candidate of Texistepec, was killed during a campaign rally. A week before, a municipal councilwoman in Jalisco and head nurse at the Teocaltiche Community Hospital, Cecilia Ruvacalba, was shot and killed by three armed individuals.

In late April, Teocaltiche City Council Secretary José Luis Pereida was fatally shot outside a seafood restaurant near the city center, allegedly by cartel gunmen. Law enforcement officers have also come under attack. Last month, two officers — including Teocaltiche's police chief — were killed by suspected criminal organizations. In February, eight additional officers went missing under similar circumstances.

Last October, Chipacingo Mayor Alejandro Arcos was decapitated in an attack by criminal groups. His murder took place shortly after the city's government secretary, Francisco Tapia, was also shot to death.