An official shared why four U.S. citizens were kidnapped by gunmen in Mexico.
The official with knowledge of the investigation told CNN it is believed the Americans were targeted by mistake.
According to the official, Americans traveled to the city of Matamoros for medical procedures, pointing to receipts discovered in the vehicle.
“The information we have is that they crossed the border to buy medicines in Mexico, there was a confrontation between groups and they were detained,” Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said.
He added, “The whole government is working on it.”
The Americans reportedly drove into Matamoros last week in a white minivan along with North Carolina license plates on it, according to the FBI in San Antonio, as CNN reported.
Unidentified gunmen then fired at the Americans.
They were “placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene by armed men,” per the FBI.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar said a Mexican citizen was killed during the incident.
“We have no higher priority than the safety of our citizens,” Salazar said.
He continued, “This is the most fundamental role of the US government. Officials from various US law enforcement agencies are working with Mexican authorities at all levels of government to achieve the safe return of our compatriots.”
The FBI issued a statement asking the public for their help in locating the Americans.
FBI searching for 4 US citizens kidnapped in Mexico, embassy says. Americans crossed into Matamoros, Tamaulipas on Friday in a white minivan with North Carolina license plates. pic.twitter.com/xgoDorXDHL
— Michael Pegram (@MichaelPNews) March 6, 2023
“The FBI is announcing a reward of $50,000 for the return of the victims and the arrest of those involved,” the statement reads.
During a press briefing Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on the matter.
She shared the administration is “closely following” the situation.
Watch her comments below:
Press sec. Jean-Pierre says White House is “closely following the assault and kidnapping” of four American citizens in Mexico.
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) March 6, 2023
“Our thoughts are with the families of these individuals and we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance.” https://t.co/GuJqZZuSDm pic.twitter.com/EQjHyfohje
Jean-Pierre added, “Our thoughts are with the families of these individuals and we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”