Gunman kills 4 at Mexican nightclub - 3 security members die heroes

Three people died attempting to protect others during the shooting.

The Blue Parrot nightclub is a popular tourist venue at Playa Del Carmen, Mexico but Monday night at least five were killed when a gunman attacked.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - NBC News reported a lone gunman opened fire during an electronic dance music festival at the Mexican resort Monday night.

Scottish DJ Jackmaster, who was scheduled to perform that night, sent out a tweet last night reading: "Someone has come into the club in Playa Del Carmen and opened fire. 4-5 dead and many wounded. Stay in ur ****** hotel if you're here at BPM".

An hour later, he tweeted, "This is a very very sad situation. Tryna get my head around it still. Thoughts and condolences to all affected".

Media industry worker Hector Escardo arrived with his girlfriend at the Blue Parrot only five minutes before the gunman opened fire.

He said the "place was packed, music in full swing" then suddenly the first shots rang out. He "dropped next to the bar straight on the floor" and more shots rang out.

Everyone was caught in a stampede toward a fence separating the club from the beach and Escardo watched as "all these people go crazy and jump over."

Within the club, he reported "Three, four police [were] running, chasing someone, could've been staff or even crooks but I'm not sure."

Several festival-goers posted videos on social media, revealing the panic as shots continued to fire.

In the confusion, most were unsure whether anyone was killed, but police later released a statement saying four people died and twelve were injured.

Three of the four who were killed died were part of the Blue Parrot security team. They were shot down while trying to protect party goers.

The Blue Parrot Music Festival's Facebook page released an official statement Tuesday morning to say:

"It is with great sadness to share that police have confirmed reports of a lone shooter outside the Blue Parrot nightclub in Playa Del Carmen earlier today, which resulted in four fatalities and twelve injured.

"The violence began on 12th street in front of the club and three members of the BPM security team were among those whose lives were lost while trying to protect patrons inside the venue.

"The BPM Festival has been working closely with the local authorities (Seguridad Publica / Policia Turistica) throughout the festival to ensure public safety and security for all visitors.

"We are overcome with grief over this senseless act of violence and we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement and government officials as they continue their investigation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their families and all those affected by these tragic events."

Police continue to investigate the incident but have yet to release information concerning the shooter's identity or the reason behind the senseless attack.

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