Medellín in Chaos: Hooded Figures Ignite Fires, Sparking Citywide Tensions
Medellín, Colombia, was rocked yesterday by a series of inflammatory incidents that left citizens reeling and authorities scrambling. In a brazen attack, hooded individuals set fire to a Christmas display inside the busy Aventura shopping center. This incendiary act was followed by further violence when the same group targeted the UdeA Metroplús station with Molotov cocktails, causing disruptions to the city’s vital public transportation system.
Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez swiftly condemned the actions as “terrorism” and denounced the perpetrators as “criminals and traitors”. He pointed directly at the “Bloque Negro Revolucionario BNR,” a self-proclaimed radical group, stating that these individuals were known to be responsible for similar acts of violence.
"It’s not a protest, it’s terrorists, criminals and bandits. This afternoon 10 hooded men left the University of Antioquia and threw incendiary objects at the metroplus station and at the Aventura shopping center," Gutierrez wrote on Twitter.
It’s not a protest, it’s terrorists, criminals and bandits. This afternoon 10 hooded men left the University of Antioquia and threw incendiary objects at the metroplus station and at the Aventura shopping center. The moons immediately hid within the… pic.twitter.com/PzoU4HpNIr
– Fico Gutiérrez (@FicoGutierrez) December 2, 2024
Gutiérrez said the attackers fled to the university campus following the two attacks, avoiding immediate capture. "These people must be prosecuted, the full weight of the law falls on them and the public will respond strongly to guarantee the order and security of the entire city," he asserted.
The attacks prompted a significant police response from the Dialogue and Maintenance of Order Unit (Undmo). While authorities attempted to restore calm around the university, tensions escalated into clashes between police and unidentified protesters, further escalating the situation. This unrest forced the closure of the UdeA Metroplús station for a significant period, severely impacting commuters reliant on the vital transportation link.
🟡 (3:35 pm) Due to a traffic accident outside, bus line 1 🚌 is operating between UDM-Minorista and bus line 2 🚌 between UDM-Palos Verdes. pic.twitter.com/brw7PUWL7B
— Medellín Metro 💚 #SeguimosViajandoJuntos (@metrodemedellin) December 2, 2024
This violent outburst raises concerns about the rising tensions in Medellín and adds to a growing list of unrest in the Colombian city. Gutierrez emphasized the need for decisive action.
"We cannot allow a few to continue to put citizens at risk. The Police are on the scene. My instructions are clear, order must be guaranteed,” Gutierrez said.
The December 2nd incidents have sent shockwaves through the city, sparking debate about how authorities should address the root causes of these acts of violence. The use of incendiary devices in public spaces, coupled with the brazen targeting of critical infrastructure, paints a disturbing picture of escalating social unrest in Medellín.
