On Saturday night, Andrés “Pillín” Bracamonte, head of the Rosario Central brava gang, was shot to death near the Gigante de Arroyito stadium. The attack occurred after the game that the local team lost 1 to 0 against San Lorenzo. Daniel ”Rana” Atardo, another member of the bar, was also a fatal victim of the attack, dying at the Centenario Hospital due to gunshot wounds. Witnesses to the incident reported between seven and ten shots in Avellaneda at 700 bis, near fans leaving the stadium and a well-known bar in the Arroyito area.
The prosecutor for Intentional Homicide, Alejandro Ferlazzo, has ordered the Homicide Division of the Investigative Police to collect evidence, testimonies and review security cameras. Bracamonte had previously been attacked in August, when he was injured in a similar incident while in Parque Alem. This new murder is part of a growing internal conflict within the Rosario Central brava gang, linked to a drug trafficking structure in the northwest area of Rosario. The conflict is also related to the murder of Samuel Medina, which occurred on October 1, who was shot after another club match.
The tension between groups in the bar has intensified in recent months, manifesting itself in violent incidents during local matches, such as confrontations with stun bombs and the display of flags alluding to Samuel Medina.
They investigate possible link with internal disputes
The murder of Bracamonte and Atardo could be related to the internal dispute between factions of the barra brava, which includes illicit activities and rivalries with groups associated with drug trafficking. The police continue to investigate the case to clarify the circumstances and find those responsible.
Reinforcements at the Centenario Hospital
Given the disturbances that occurred at the Centenario Hospital after the attack, the presence of police reinforcements was requested to guarantee security at the site. The situation generated concern among the medical staff and patients present.
“The crime of ‘Pillín’ Bracamonte reflects an escalation of violence linked to the inmates of the Rosario Central gang, where the dispute for power and criminal control has claimed several lives.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Crime Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good evening, and thank you for joining us today. We are here to discuss a tragic and alarming event that occurred recently involving the head of the Rosario Central brava gang, Andrés “Pillín” Bracamonte, who was shot outside the Gigante de Arroyito stadium. We have crime expert Dr. Laura Méndez with us. Dr. Méndez, can you help us understand the broader implications of this incident?
Dr. Laura Méndez (LM): Good evening, and thank you for having me. This incident is quite significant, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and organized crime surrounding football culture in Argentina. The fact that Bracamonte was shot just after a match underscores how intertwined sports and gang activity can be, particularly in high-tension environments.
TNE: It is indeed a troubling situation. Can you elaborate on the factors that contribute to such violent incidents at football matches?
LM: Certainly. In Argentina, particularly with clubs like Rosario Central, football is not just a sport; it is deeply ingrained in the identity of the community. Unfortunately, this often leads to the rise of ‘barras bravas’, or supporters’ groups, which can function like organized crime. These groups have their own hierarchies, and violence often arises from internal power struggles or rivalries.
TNE: In this case, we have reports of multiple shots fired, and a witness account indicates this took place as fans were leaving the stadium. What does that tell us about the potential planning behind this attack?
LM: It suggests a level of premeditation. The timing, just as fans were dispersing, indicates that the perpetrators may have waited for an opportune moment when they could maximize the chaos. Such incidents often arise from ongoing disputes, and targeting a high-profile figure like Bracamonte signals a serious message from rival factions.
TNE: Following this event, Prosecutor Alejandro Ferlazzo has ordered an investigation, including reviewing security footage and collecting eyewitness statements. How critical are these steps in resolving such cases?
LM: They are absolutely crucial. Analyze security footage can provide vital clues about the perpetrators and their escape routes. Eyewitness accounts are equally invaluable, although they can be challenging to gather in such high-stress environments where people are often reluctant to speak out, especially in the context of gang violence.
TNE: The community’s reaction is also noteworthy. In light of events like this, how do you think the local fandom and the general public respond to such violence?
LM: Responses can vary. There is often a mix of fear, outrage, and sometimes a resignation to the violence that permeates football culture. However, there’s also a strong sense of identity tied to these clubs, leading many fans to demand change and push back against the influence of gangs. Activism and calls for reform can gain traction in the wake of these tragedies.
TNE: Lastly, Dr. Méndez, looking forward, what measures can be implemented to mitigate this type of violence within football culture?
LM: There are several approaches that can help. Enhanced security at matches, increased police presence in known hot zones, and stricter regulations against the barra brava groups could be effective. Moreover, fostering a culture of tolerance among fans—emphasizing that football should be a vehicle for unity, not violence—can gradually shift societal norms. It is a complex issue, but with concerted efforts from authorities, clubs, and the community, change is possible.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Méndez, for your insights on this tragic event and the broader issues surrounding it. It’s important for all of us to continue the conversation about safety in sports and the influence of organized crime in our communities.
LM: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we keep these discussions alive.