Authorities in northern Mexico say they are searching for at least another dozen suspects in an arson fire at a casino that killed 52 people, according to a statement obtained by NBC News.
Nuevo Leon state Gov. Rodrigo Medina said five suspects have been arrested, but authorities are continuing to search for additional suspects involved in the attack in the city of Monterrey.
Medina made the comments Tuesday as officials showed journalists five alleged members of the Zetas drug cartel arrested in the case.
"There are at least a dozen implicated individuals in the attack that are already being sought after by authorities, in addition to the five detained who will be arraigned," Medina said in his native Spanish.
Gunmen on Thursday ignited gasoline at the entrance to the Casino Royale. Terrified customers and employees ran deep inside the building. Many were found dead from smoke inhalation in offices and bathrooms.
According to the statement, some of the suspects allegedly worked to ignite the fire, while others drove getaway cars and supervised the attack.
Police are investigating whether the attack was in retaliation for not paying extortion money.
"We will continue to act emphatically until the peace and the harmony that has always characterized us returns to our homes and our community," Medina said.
