Mexico Terrorism Trial Moves Forward Over 'Jueves Negro' Attack

The oral trial for the August 11, 2022 "Jueves Negro" incident resumed in the Federal Criminal Justice Center on the Mexico‑U.S. border. Prosecutors presented three new witnesses – a former municipal police officer, a ballistics expert and a forensic doctor – to strengthen terrorism charges against defendants Jorge Antonio C. B. and Juan Carlos V.

The accused are alleged to have participated in an attempt to set fire to a personnel transport truck in the Riberas del Bravo neighborhood, an attack that left four people dead and three injured. During testimony, former officer Ernesto E. E. denied striking or threatening the defendants, while the ballistics expert identified dozens of cartridge cases recovered at the scene. Judge Victoria Alejandra Espinoza Alaníz oversaw the proceedings and asked the defense to clarify the nature of the defendants' statements.

The case remains ongoing, with the prosecution seeking conviction for terrorism under federal law.