Two Americans kidnapped by gunmen in Mexico have been found dead. The two other Americans were found alive. One was wounded and one was unharmed.
Américo Villarreal Anaya, the Governor of Tamaulipas, the border state where the crime took place, revealed the news about the kidnapped Americans on a phone call with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The call was played during a news conference on Tuesday.
“Derived from the joint search actions, the four American citizens deprived of their liberty last Friday were found,” Tamaulipas Attorney General Irving Barrios said in a tweet. “Unfortunately, two dead. Investigation and intelligence work continue to capture those responsible. Details will be given later.”
Video allegedly shows the attack on the four Americans who crossed the border into Matamoros, Tamaulipas for medical procedures on Friday in a van with North Carolina plates. They are believed to have been victims of mistaken identity when they were fired upon, placed in a white pickup truck and taken away by armed men.
The Americans were identified as Zindell Brown, Eric James Williams and cousins Latavia “Tay” McGee and Shaeed Woodard. It has not yet been revealed which of the Americans survived the assault.
An innocent Mexican bystander was also killed amid the kidnapping, according to U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar.
On Monday, the White House said U.S. law enforcement including the FBI, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security were coordinating with Mexican authorities on the case.
“These sorts of attacks are unacceptable,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during Monday’s daily briefing. “Our thoughts are with the families of these individuals and we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”
A Mexican drug cartel is suspected of being behind the attack. The State Department has issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for American citizens thinking of going to Tamaulipas, citing crime and kidnapping in the area.
