San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León – The Nuevo León Attorney General’s Office charged five Civil Protection officers this Monday for their alleged role in the San Pedro stage collapse that killed ten people and injured 256 supporters during a Citizen Movement rally in May 2024.
In a hearing on August 5, the Public Prosecutor’s Office formally accused Alberto “N” and José “N” of the State Civil Protection, along with Gustavo “N”, Marisela “N” and Javier “N” of the San Pedro municipal Civil Protection, of negligent homicide and injury. The charges stem from evidence that the officers failed to take preventive and supervisory measures at the campaign event held on May 22, 2024.
The event unfolded at the El Obispo Baseball Field, where Jorge Álvarez Máynez, then a presidential candidate, and other party hopefuls addressed supporters. Midway through the program, the stage abruptly collapsed under unknown circumstances. Many attendees stood close to the platform when it gave way, resulting in a tragic toll of ten fatalities and 256 wounded.
During Monday’s hearing, prosecutors presented structural reports, witness statements and safety audits to support their accusations. They asked the Control Judge to bind the five officials over for trial. Defense attorneys for the two state officers urged the judge to resolve their clients’ legal status immediately. After reviewing the evidence, the judge acknowledged sufficient proof of both crime and potential liability. He then declared a recess before issuing a formal ruling on their continued detention or release.
For the three municipal rescuers, defense counsel requested additional time to prepare their arguments within the constitutional deadline. The judge granted an extension and scheduled the next hearing for August 8. That session will determine whether the San Pedro officers will face formal charges.
Families of the victims and injured have followed the proceedings closely. Many expressed relief at the prospect of accountability. Yet, they also voiced frustration over the year-long delay since the incident. “We waited more than a year to see any action,” said Ana López, whose brother died in the collapse. “Today’s charges are a small step toward justice, but we need answers on why this happened.”
Government officials have defended their certification and training processes for event safety. The Nuevo León Tourism Secretariat stated after the hearing that it has reviewed its coordination protocols with Civil Protection agencies. The secretariat hopes to restore public confidence by tightening oversight at large gatherings, especially as the state prepares to host international events.
The San Pedro stage collapse case has drawn national attention to event safety standards across Mexico. Civil Protection agencies in other states have begun auditing their preventive measures. Experts warn that without clear enforcement of safety norms, similar tragedies could recur.
The Attorney General’s decision to charge Civil Protection officers marks a significant shift in how authorities address negligence in public safety. By holding individuals to account, the state sends a message that procedural lapses at public events carry real legal consequences.
