Gun violence continues to plague the district of Ate Vitarte in Lima, Peru, despite the presence of increased police and military forces. The recent murder of a teacher at Julio César Tello school has heightened concerns about security in the area. The assailant gained access to the school by posing as a worker from the Judicial Power and shot the teacher multiple times before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Ate Vitarte is one of fourteen districts that have been under a state of emergency for 60 days due to escalating homicides related to contract killings and extortion. This wave of violence initially targeted transportation companies but has since spread to other areas. Just hours after the teacher’s murder, another shooting occurred in Comas, where a driver for Urano Tours was shot from a motorbike.
In San Martín de Porres, an adjacent district, another individual was fatally shot outside an auto lubricant store after being pursued by gunmen on motorcycles. In Bellavista, Callao, yet another victim was killed when a hitman on a bicycle opened fire on him while he was parked in his car.
The Minister of Interior, Juan José Santiváñez, acknowledged these incidents but emphasized that they should not overshadow ongoing efforts to combat crime during this state of emergency. The Ministry of Education has suspended classes at Julio César Tello school for three days and deployed military personnel to ensure its security.
However, parents and residents remain skeptical about these measures as they feel it is too little too late. They express concern for their children’s safety and demand more effective action from authorities. President Dina Boluarte’s administration has faced criticism for failing to address rising crime rates adequately.
According to data from Peru’s Ministry of Health as reported by Sinadef (Sistema de Información de Defunciones), there have been 1,493 homicides recorded in Peru so far this year—surpassing last year’s total count—with an average rate of five deaths per day nationwide.
Lima is among the regions most affected by violence with 638 homicides reported this year alone. Other coastal regions such as La Libertad (198), Callao (90), Piura (81), and Ica (67) also face significant challenges regarding public safety.
Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén stated that extending the state of emergency beyond Ate Vitarte may be necessary if conditions do not improve soon. He even suggested that internal control could be handed over to the armed forces if required.
As communities mourn these tragic losses with flowers and candles outside Julio César Tello school gateways; it remains uncertain how authorities will effectively address this crisis moving forward.