Brian Thompson, 75, traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on February 21 with his wife to avoid a severe winter storm hitting New Jersey. Having visited the city twice before, Thompson had expected a peaceful retreat during the harsh weather back home. However, soon after their arrival, violence erupted in the region following the killing of a cartel leader.
Thompson described Puerto Vallarta as a vibrant and welcoming city, known for its lively atmosphere and jazz scene. Until the recent events, he had never felt unsafe there. “Puerto Vallarta never felt unsafe, until now,” he said. On the morning after their arrival, he noticed smoke near their condominium, which residents later explained was related to cartel activity.
Following local advisories, Thompson and other residents were instructed to shelter in place. From his condominium’s pool deck, he observed fires, smoke, and a helicopter circling the area. Videos circulating online showed vehicles set ablaze in the neighborhood, and a nearby restaurant caught fire but was quickly extinguished. Despite these unsettling scenes, Thompson managed to communicate with family and friends to assure them of his safety.
While the violence caused alarm and disruptions, Thompson noted that the community within their condominium remained supportive, sharing food and companionship during the incident. His wife experienced difficulty sleeping due to the events, but Thompson, with a background in television journalism, remained composed, accustomed to reporting from challenging situations.
Initially planning to continue their trip to Mexico City after a week in Puerto Vallarta, the couple canceled those plans amid the unrest. Thompson has been monitoring flight availability to return to the United States, having booked departures through Houston and Los Angeles scheduled for later in the week. However, he has yet to finalize travel within the US, pending weather conditions in New Jersey.
Despite the situation, Thompson expressed a desire to return to Puerto Vallarta in the future to support the local community and demonstrate confidence in Mexico. “I want to come back to support the people of Puerto Vallarta and show faith in their country,” he said. He acknowledged the economic impact of the violence on local residents, emphasizing sympathy for those affected.
The recent outbreak of cartel-related violence in Puerto Vallarta has led some tourists to reconsider travel plans to Mexico. Authorities have reported increased security measures in response to the unrest, which followed the targeted killing of a cartel leader. The disturbances have caused airport disruptions, including flight diversions, and extensive property damage in certain neighborhoods.
Thompson remains sheltering in place while assessing the situation and awaiting safer conditions for departure. He has not made the decision to leave his condominium, balancing concern for safety with caution and the wishes of his wife. The incident underscores the complexities faced by travelers in regions experiencing sudden security challenges.
