Mexican sports reporter Fernando Vargas was robbed at gunpoint in a dramatic scene that all played out on live TV.
Vargas was sitting in his car at a gas station to do a live segment on Bla, bla, bla deportivo, a Mexican sports commentary show on Activo Deportes, on Tuesday, May 19, when a man appeared on the driver’s side of his vehicle.
The man opened Vargas’ car door and began making demands to Vargas while holding a gun. It did not appear the robber was aware Vargas was on live television.
“The key, quick. Key, phones, and wallets, quick,” the man told Vargas in Spanish.
Vargas frantically turned his phone over as studio host Ed Martinez was left to carry on with the broadcast. “This can’t be happening,” Martinez could be seen saying as the scene unfolded.
Shortly after the broadcast, Martinez issued an update on social media about Vargas’ condition.
“Thankfully, he’s safe, but very scared,” Martinez shared via Instagram after the shocking incident. “If anyone recognizes the guy in the video, please help us and report him to the authorities. This happened in Morelos.”
Morelos is located in south-central Mexico, roughly 80 miles outside Mexico City.
According to a report by outlet Infobae, who has a hub in Mexico City, Vargas’ car was stolen by the gunman, along with his wallet, cell phone and other belongings.
Vargas reportedly tried convincing the robber to let him hold onto his form of identification, but the man refused. He received assistance from the National Guard and has filed a formal police complaint.
The gunman has yet to be identified or taken into custody at the time of publication.
Vargas has been a celebrated journalist in Mexico for over 23 years, per Infobae, specializing in national and international basketball.
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“He currently serves as Director of Communications for the Caliente.mx LNBP League, where he coordinates strategies related to press relations, content, and talent management,” the outlet reported. “He also leads business projects as Director of Operations for Grupo Empresarial Díaz.”
In addition to his media duties, Vargas also teaches “master’s level courses focused on sports management” at Universidad Amerike, located in Mexico City.
Video of the armed robbery has gone viral, with one social media post garnering more than 300,000 views at the time of publication.
“For the love of God! What country have we become!!!” one person commented on the video.
