Jalisco state tourism minister killed in Mexico

A recently appointed tourism minister in Mexico’s western Jalisco state has been assassinated, authorities have said.

A recently appointed tourism minister in Mexico’s western Jalisco state has been assassinated, authorities have said.

Jose de Jesus Gallegos Alvarez was shot on Saturday during a chase as he drove his car in Zapopan, outside the country’s second-largest city Guadalajara, state officials said.

State Government General Secretary Arturo Zamora said a preliminary investigations indicated the attack was not related to Gallegos’ work promoting tourism in Jalisco.

The attack may have had to do with his private business dealings, Zamora said.

“We are working to resolve this case to the ultimate consequences,” he said. “The state will not allow such acts.”

According to profile material, Gallegos, an engineer, was founder and president of Jegal Project and Construction Management, a key developer of the Mayan Resorts and several condominium towers in Guadalajara and resort cities.

Jalisco attracts many tourists as the birthplace of popular Mexican traditions, including mariachi music and tequila production.

Local political and police officials are often targets of assassinations in Mexico, but rarely tourism officials.

President Enrique Pena Nieto has condemned the attack in his Twitter account and says he has ordered a thorough investigation.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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