Gunshots fired near U.S. Consulate in Monterrey

Gunshots were fired in the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey on 16 October 2008. Mexican soldiers and police officers immediately surrounded the building, but were unable to find the assailant. Officials have not yet determined whether the gunshots specifically targeted the consulate. The incident follows a similar event at the consulate on 12 October, when unknown assailants fired gunshots and threw a grenade (which did not explode) at the facility in the middle of the night. Authorities have not yet determined whether the two events are linked. The consulate suspended all consular services on 16 October, but is expected to resume normal operations on 17 October. The consulate has heightened security in response to the situation.