The Flamingos casino in Culiacán, Sinaloa was struck by gunfire in the early hours of January 6, marking the second attack on the property in less than three weeks.
A nearby gas station was also hit in what authorities believe may have been coordinated incidents, which renewed concerns over security risks for commercial and entertainment venues in the region.
According to local media reports, both events occurred within minutes of each other, triggering the deployment of state and federal security forces. The gas station, located at the intersection of Boulevard Fray Marcos de Niza and Boulevard Emiliano Zapata in the San Rafael neighborhood, sustained gunfire impacts to its bathroom area and office.
Mexican Navy personnel secured the perimeter and recovered spent rifle casings, while traffic on the boulevard was temporarily closed.
Shortly afterward, municipal police responded to the casino, where officers identified multiple rifle impacts across the windows and main façade. A gray late-model vehicle with visible gunfire damage was located at the scene. The area was cordoned off and the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office opened a formal investigation.
Specialized units from the General Directorate of Expert Services processed both locations, collecting ballistic evidence and photographic records for the case files. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported in either incident.
The venue had previously been attacked on December 22, 2025. Officials have not provided details regarding operational suspensions or the possible motive behind the attacks.
Local outlets reported the circulation of an alleged online “blacklist” referencing businesses purportedly tied to criminal groups; however, authorities have not verified the authenticity of the list nor confirmed any connection between the establishments and organized activity.
The incidents come amid broader security tensions in Culiacán and add to industry concerns about risk exposure for gaming, hospitality and retail properties operating in high-conflict jurisdictions.
On the december attacks gunmen opened fire on the Flamingo Casino while the venue was in operation. Although there were no reported injuries, multiple bullet impacts were observed on the casino’s façade and customers inside were evacuated
