Tourist shot dead in La Perla during Bad Bunny residency

A U S tourist was killed in La Perla during Bad Bunny residency, highlighting safety concerns in Puerto Rico's tourist zones.

US tourist fatally shot in La Perla during Bad Bunny residency

A U S tourist identified as Kevin Mares, 25, of New York, was fatally shot in La Perla early Sunday at a nightspot named Refuge for Mistreated Men. He was in Puerto Rico with three friends who were visiting for one of Bad Bunny's concerts. The shooting occurred after a dispute near the venue; several people were involved and at least three were shot, with Mares dying at the island’s largest public hospital. A brother and sister from La Perla were also injured and remain hospitalized. Police say Mares was an innocent bystander and that they currently have little information about the shooter or motive. The investigation continues as authorities search for more details and descriptions.

The incident places La Perla in the global spotlight again, showing how a neighborhood with a fraught past can become the backdrop for a large public event. It raises questions about how Puerto Rico scales up tourism while trying to keep streets safe for residents and visitors alike. The details in the report point to a quarrel that escalated to gunfire, underscoring the challenges police face in rapidly changing nightlife areas. Beyond the crime, the piece reflects on the broader tension between growth and safety in a place where economic revival often depends on visitor demand.

Highlights

Safety and trust will determine how Puerto Rico balances growth with protection