The Juarez Police Department is mourning the tragic deaths of two of its officers, Miguel Eduardo Gallegos Salas, 31, and Rigoberto Pulido Escobedo, 32, who were fatally shot late Monday evening while off-duty near a local convenience store. The incident has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, with authorities still working to understand the motive behind the attack, which also left a third individual dead.

According to Juarez news sources, both officers were off-duty at the time of the shooting but were reportedly serving as bodyguards for a civilian, identified as Ulises Nache Trujillo, a local resident. Reports suggest that Nache, who has a criminal history in El Paso, Texas, may have been the target of the assailants, with the officers caught in the crossfire.

Officer Pulido had been with the Juarez municipal police for 11 years, while Officer Gallegos had served for two years. Both officers were part of a motorized unit that patrols the commercial district in downtown Juarez. Their tragic deaths have deeply affected their families, colleagues, and the wider community.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Municipal Public Safety Secretariat (SSPM) expressed its sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the officers’ dedication to their duty. “These brave officers, even when off-duty, were providing protection to a civilian when they were senselessly attacked,” the statement read. The department has vowed to cooperate fully with investigative authorities to uncover the truth behind the attack.

The third victim, Ulises Nache Trujillo, was known to have a criminal record in El Paso, where he faced multiple charges over the years. In 2008, Nache was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol for illegal entry into the United States, later pleading guilty to the charges. In 2010, he was also involved in an alien smuggling operation, though the case was dismissed after a material witness was released.

The police department is continuing to investigate the incident, seeking to determine why the officers were targeted and what role Nache’s criminal history may have played in the tragic events. The SSPM has pledged to work closely with other investigative agencies to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrators of this senseless attack are brought to justice.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, both the Juarez Police Department and the residents of Juarez continue to mourn the loss of two dedicated officers who gave their lives in service, even outside of their official duties.