A New York journalist who documented upheaval throughout Latin America was killed along with two Mexican men in a shootout in the historic city of Oaxaca, where protesters have been trying for five months to oust the governor. Several other people were injured.
The gunfire erupted in a rough neighborhood when armed men tried to remove a blockade set up by protesters who are demanding the resignation of Oaxaca Gov. Ulises Ruiz, said a police official who was not authorised to speak on the record. Both sides fired but it was not clear who shot first, he said.
Bradley Roland Will, 36, was shot in the abdomen and died at a Red Cross hospital, police, witnesses and friends said. Will worked for Indymedia.org, an independent Web-based media organisation and sold video footage on a freelance basis, said friends and Indymedia colleague Hinrich Schuleze.
Oaxaca Attorney General Lizbeth Cana blamed the violence on the leftist protesters, whom she has compared to an urban guerrilla group. She said the armed men trying to move the blockade were angry residents defending themselves.
"The people are fed up with permanent violence, threats and kidnappings," Cana said.
However, the US Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza said the armed group may have been police.
"It appears that Mr. Will was killed during a shoot out between what may have been local police," and protesters, Garza said in a written statement.
Protesters accused the governor of sending the armed men against them.
"Ulises Ruiz is trying to massacre our people," said protester Antonio Garcia.
Television footage taken at the scene shows people ducking for cover as shots rattle out from many directions. A group of six men are seen running through the street with Will.
Esteban Zurrita, a resident of Oaxaca, was also shot dead in the clash.
The third victim was identified as Emilio Alonso Fabian, whose bullet-ridden body was found about two miles from the clash.
Protesters have taken over the historic city since June, building barricades, driving out police and burning buses. The protesters accuse the governor of rigging the 2004 election to win office and using violence against his opponents.
Many of the protesters have been striking teachers.
Friday's clash came a day after the teachers agreed to end their five-month-old strike, which has kept 1.3 million children out of classes in the state of Oaxaca. The strike's end was expected to ease the protests.
The teachers have been camped out in Oaxaca city's colonial center since May, when they first walked out to demand higher pay and better working conditions.
After police attacked one of their demonstrations in June, they extended their demands to include a call for the resignation of Ruiz and were joined by leftists, students and Indian groups.
Police and armed gangs have led sporadic attacks on the protesters, and at least five people have been killed in violence related to the unrest.
The lawlessness has led to armed groups of protesters and other residents patrolling the streets, frequently capturing and beating suspected criminals.