Tourist killed near Bad Bunny residency in San Juan

A 25-year-old New Yorker is killed in a crossfire near a Bad Bunny residency in La Perla, raising safety questions for visitors.

Tourist Killed in Crossfire at Bad Bunny Show in San Juan

A 25-year-old tourist from New York, Kevin Mares, traveled to Puerto Rico with friends to see Bad Bunny during a month-long residency in San Juan. He was shot in the abdomen and side at a late-night spot in La Perla when a dispute escalated into gunfire. Mares died at the hospital, and two local victims are hospitalized. Police say the shooter remains at large. The incident occurred as crowds gathered for the resident act, drawing attention to nightlife safety in the area. A GoFundMe page set up by Mares's family describes him as a deeply loved son and devoted friend.

The episode underscores safety concerns tied to high-profile events that attract tourists. Authorities are reviewing security at popular nightlife areas as they investigate the shooting. The case also highlights the toll such violence takes on families and communities, particularly in neighborhoods adjacent to entertainment hubs.

The shooting exposes tensions between promoting tourism and protecting public safety in busy nightlife zones. When a single altercation becomes deadly, it tests how well local police, venues, and city services coordinate crowd management and emergency response. It also asks how destinations market themselves while facing real-world crime risk for visitors.

For San Juan and similar cities, the path forward may involve stronger cooperation between authorities and event organizers, better lighting and surveillance in nightlife corridors, clearer emergency guidance for tourists, and sustained community support in the wake of tragedy. Rebuilding trust will take visible steps that show visitors they are valued and protected.

Highlights

Security and community resilience will shape the city’s response to this tragedy