Tourist fatally shot in La Perla during Bad Bunny residency

A U.S. tourist visiting Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny residency was fatally shot in La Perla, a seaside community near Old San Juan.

Tourist fatally shot in La Perla during Bad Bunny residency

A 25-year-old U.S. tourist identified as Kevin Mares, from New York, was fatally shot in predawn hours at Shelter for Mistreated Men, a nightclub in La Perla, San Juan. He was with three friends from New York who were in Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny concerts when an argument broke out and a gun was fired, injuring two La Perla residents as well. Mares was taken to Puerto Rico’s largest public hospital where he died.

The shooting highlights the ongoing risk that comes with nightlife near popular tourist areas. It tests Puerto Rico’s ability to sustain a tourism boom from concerts while protecting visitors and local residents. Authorities will need to balance tougher policing with community trust and avoid stigmatizing La Perla as a danger zone. The incident could influence traveler decisions and spur discussions about venue security, street safety, lighting, and outreach in high traffic neighborhoods.

Highlights

Safety must guide growth in Puerto Rico as it welcomes visitors.