Additional Coverage:
- I flew to Puerto Vallarta to escape the blizzard in New Jersey. Now I’m sheltering from cartel violence. (businessinsider.com)
New Jersey Couple’s Tropical Escape Turns Terrifying as Cartel Violence Erupts in Puerto Vallarta
What started as a relaxing getaway to escape a New Jersey winter storm quickly became a harrowing ordeal for Brian Thompson, 75, and his wife, who found themselves caught in the middle of cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The couple arrived in the picturesque city on Saturday, February 21st, hoping for a peaceful retreat from the impending blizzard back home.
Thompson, a seasoned television journalist, recounted the dramatic turn of events that shattered their sense of security. “I think I’d rather have been in a blizzard than what I experienced Sunday,” he stated, referring to the sudden outbreak of violence that followed the killing of a cartel leader in the area.
Puerto Vallarta, a city Thompson had visited twice before and always considered a “little bit of paradise” with its friendly locals, vibrant atmosphere, and thriving jazz scene, suddenly transformed. He awoke Monday morning to what he initially mistook for car exhaust, only to be informed by residents that the city was “under attack by the cartel.”
The couple was instructed to shelter in place within their condominium. Thompson described the immediate aftermath: “I spent the next few hours communicating with family and friends who wanted to know if we were OK.”
From the pool deck, he witnessed a disturbing scene of new fires, smoke plumes, and a helicopter circling overhead, while multiple online videos showed vehicles ablaze in the vicinity. The most terrifying moment came when the restaurant adjacent to their building caught fire, though it was quickly extinguished.
Despite the fear, Thompson’s journalistic instincts kicked in, and he began reporting on the unfolding events to his social media followers. While his wife struggled to sleep, Thompson, accustomed to “running toward trouble,” felt a surge of adrenaline.
As of Monday morning, the situation appeared to have calmed, though the experience left a lasting impact. The Thompsons, who arrived with minimal food, relied on the kindness of other condo residents who shared their supplies.
Their original plans to travel to Mexico City have been canceled, and the couple is now scrambling to find flights back to the U.S. The earliest available options are for Friday and Saturday, with bookings made through both Houston and Los Angeles. Thompson expressed hope that New Jersey would be clear of the blizzard by then, but acknowledged the uncertainty of their travel plans.
Despite the terrifying experience, Thompson expressed a desire to return to Puerto Vallarta in the future. “I want to come back to support the people of Puerto Vallarta and show faith in their country,” he affirmed, highlighting a resilience and compassion even in the face of adversity.