PANDEMONIUM

2 Killed in Mass Riots in Mexico Over Gas Prices

Two dead, 600 arrested after 20% cost increase.

Two people were killed and more than 600 arrested Thursday in nationwide protests against gas price hikes in Mexico. The mass demonstrations, which come after the announcement of a 20-percent increase in gas prices over the weekend, have seen angry protesters loot stores and block roads. One policeman was reportedly killed Thursday after being run over while trying to stop looters at a gas station in Mexico City. Another officer was injured in the incident, and 76 people arrested. In Veracruz, a pedestrian was run over by a vehicle trying to flee police after looting a store, authorities said. In Mexico State, police officers were caught joining the looters, with four of them fired after being caught red-handed taking stolen items. Four hundred-and-thirty people were detained for looting in the area. The Mexican Council of Bishops, while urging protesters to “use peaceful and creative means” to express their concerns, called on the government to think about how the price hikes will affect the country’s poor. After the price increase, one gallon of gas will cost about $4—the equivalent of one day’s worth of work at minimum wage.