Message Regarding Recent Security Incident at the U.S. Consulate

U.S. Consulate General of the United States of America

Monterrey, N.L., Mexico

October 13, 2008

The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey would like to alert American citizens living within the consular district of a recent security incident that took place at the consulate building.

During the early morning hours of Sunday, October 12, two unidentified men approached the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey.  One of them fired a handgun several times with shots hitting the front gate and windows of the facility.  The second man threw a hand grenade that did not explode.  Authorities found six spent .45 caliber shell casings at the scene.  There were no injuries or significant damage as a result of the incident.  An investigation in coordination with local authorities is ongoing and the Consulate’s security video of the incident is being analyzed.  The motive of the two assailants is unknown.

The United States Consulate General is profoundly concerned about this incident and has enhanced security at the Consulate.  We thank the community for its concern as well as the Mexican authorities for their rapid response.

The U.S. Consulate General was closed on October 13, 2008, for the Columbus Day holiday.  It will resume regular public hours on Tuesday, October 14, 2008.

American citizens are advised to refer to guidance in the Department of State’s most recent Travel Warning located on the internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html and Country Specific Information for Mexico, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html for additional information regarding the current security situation in the country.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit U.S. Consulate, located at 411 Avenida Constitucion Poniente in Monterrey; telephone (81) 8047-3145; after hours emergency telephone 044 (81) 8362-9126 (from Mexico); ACS unit fax (81) 8342-5433; e-mail MonterreyACS@state.gov; web page http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov.