This isn’t a real image of Puerto Vallarta on fire
In recent days, a viral image claiming to show Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, engulfed in flames following the killing of a notorious cartel leader has circulated widely on social media platforms. However, this image is not real; it is an artificial intelligence-generated creation.
Background on the Incident
The image in question emerged shortly after the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). On February 22, 2026, Mexican military forces, aided by U.S. intelligence, killed Oseguera Cervantes during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. His death sparked a wave of violence across multiple cities in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, where suspected gang members reportedly set buses and businesses on fire and clashed with authorities.
The Viral Image
On February 22, a TikTok post claimed to show Puerto Vallarta in chaos, with the narrator stating, “This is not a scene from a movie, this is the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco in Mexico.” The video suggested that chaos ensued following the killing of El Mencho, with gang members burning cars and attacking random people.
However, the image shared in this post has been confirmed to be generated by artificial intelligence. It features the logo of Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, prominently displayed in the bottom right corner.
Analysis of the Image
Upon closer examination, several visual inconsistencies reveal the image’s artificial origins:
- Some buildings appear distorted and do not resemble actual structures in Puerto Vallarta.
- The smoke and fire display unusual patterns, with flames appearing bright orange and sitting atop buildings without consuming them.
- Smoke is depicted moving uniformly in one direction, suggesting a lack of wind disturbance, which is unrealistic in a fire scenario.
These indicators led PolitiFact to conclude that the image does not depict a real scene from Puerto Vallarta following the cartel leader’s death.
Real Events Following El Mencho’s Death
Following the killing of Oseguera Cervantes, violence erupted in various parts of Mexico. Reports indicated that gang members retaliated against authorities, leading to widespread unrest. In Puerto Vallarta, there were indeed incidents of arson and clashes with law enforcement, but the viral image does not accurately represent these events.
Authorities urged citizens to shelter in place as the situation developed, and news outlets reported on the chaos that ensued, including burned-out cars and empty streets.
Conclusion
The image claiming to show Puerto Vallarta on fire is a fabrication created by artificial intelligence, not a real photograph of the events following the death of El Mencho. As misinformation spreads rapidly on social media, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of images and claims before sharing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the image is not real. It was generated by artificial intelligence and does not depict actual events in Puerto Vallarta.
The unrest was triggered by the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which led to violent retaliation from gang members.
You can verify images by checking for source credibility, using reverse image searches, and consulting fact-checking organizations to confirm their authenticity.
Note: It is essential to remain vigilant about misinformation, especially during times of crisis, and to rely on verified sources for accurate information.
