On the night of September 4, 2025, Saúl Ríos Reyes, Director of Public Security for the municipality of Cosolapa, Oaxaca, was assassinated in Córdoba, Veracruz, while dining with his family. The attack occurred around 7:30 p.m. at a KFC restaurant located at the intersection of Avenida 11 and Calle 10, in the city center.
According to eyewitness accounts and official reports, at least two armed assailants entered the establishment and fired directly at Ríos Reyes, who was seated with his wife and children. The gunmen fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Customers and staff scrambled for safety, and paramedics from the Cruz Roja arrived shortly after, but Ríos Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene.
Born in Zongolica, Veracruz, Ríos Reyes was 53 years old and had recently taken office as Cosolapa’s security chief in early 2025, under the administration of Mayor Rogelio Peña Cruz. He was known for his efforts to combat organized crime in the region, a role that placed him in frequent danger.
The Veracruz State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) has launched a formal investigation into the homicide, collecting ballistic evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the restaurant and surrounding businesses. As of now, no suspects have been detained.
This killing marks the 15th murder of a police officer in Veracruz in 2025, placing the state among the top five in Mexico for violence against law enforcement. The municipal government of Cosolapa has publicly condemned the attack and expressed condolences to Ríos Reyes’ family, highlighting his dedication to public service.
His death underscores the escalating risks faced by security officials in Mexico and the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability.
Source: Azteca Noticias
