The state's top law enforcement agency and Governor Ducey say they are offering assistance after two violent shootouts in towns just across the border with Mexico.
The Department of Public Safety said Wednesday it increased its resources in the region after shootings in Agua Prieta and Naco on Monday left at least nine people dead. The border towns in Mexico's Sonora state are just on the other side of Arizona's Cochise County. Watch video from Caborca Informa of the aftermath of the shooting in Agua Prieta in the player above.
"In response to the significant drug cartel-related violence in the Mexican cities of Agua Prieta and Naco, the Arizona Department of Public Safety has dedicated additional assets and support to the region," the agency said in a statement posted to Twitter . "[T]here is no higher priority than to protect the public safety of Arizonans."
Governor Ducey said his office was also paying close attention to the shootings, one of which involved four people killed in a vehicle with Arizona license plates.
There is no greater priority than protecting the safety of Arizonans. We are monitoring closely, and I’ve instructed DPS to stand ready to assist our local and federal partners as needed. https://t.co/8r4iXSXr1k
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) June 12, 2019
DPS said it had also offered assistance to local agencies on both sides of the border.
"We have also offered support to local partners including Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and with our Mexican counterparts including the Sonora State Police," DPS said.
