San Salvador Market Attack: Two Dead and Three Injured in Sudden Armed Assault

San Salvador, El Salvador—Two people were killed and three others sustained serious injuries Friday afternoon when armed men opened fire inside a crowded municipal market in San Martin. The assault occurred around 1:30 p.m. as shoppers and stall operators packed the central aisle of the food hall.

Witnesses stated two individuals walked into the market, drew handguns, and targeted a specific vendor stall before firing indiscriminately into the crowd. Panic ensued as dozens of shoppers scrambled toward the street exits to escape the barrage.

Two male victims died instantly at the scene from gunshot wounds to the torso. Three bystanders, including two women and a teenage worker, suffered bullet injuries and were treated by emergency responders before transport to a regional medical center.

National Civil Police units surrounded the market perimeter within minutes, cordoning off multiple vendor entrances to preserve evidence. Tactical officers swept the surrounding streets and alleys in pursuit of the fleeing gunmen.

A medical spokesperson at the receiving hospital reported that two of the injured remain in critical condition undergoing emergency surgery. The third victim is reported in stable condition with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Forensic teams processed the market aisle, marking numerous shell casings scatter across concrete walkways between produce stalls. Investigators gathered statements from merchants to establish the sequence of events and identify a possible motive.

Local authorities stated that police intelligence units are investigating whether the incident involved extortion demands targeting market vendors. Security forces maintain an active cordon around the venue while investigations proceed.

No arrests have been announced by law enforcement agencies following the afternoon search operations. Police patrols have been reinforced throughout the commercial sector of San Martin.