4 US nationals kidnapped in Mexico: State Department

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Four Americans who traveled across the US-Mexico border were kidnapped in the border city of Matamoros, the State Department confirmed on Monday.

The FBI originally announced the kidnappings with Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's San Antonio Division Oliver Rich, saying they were abducted March 3 after crossing the border in a white minivan when they were fired upon by unidentified gunmen. The individuals were then placed in a vehicle and driven away from the scene.

There were questions as to whether all four individuals were US nationals, but State Department spokesperson Ned Price confirmed they are Americans, saying the FBI is "working very closely with other federal partners and Mexican law enforcement agencies to investigate this."

"We're standing ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. We do also remind Americans about the existing travel guidance when it comes to this particular part of Mexico," he told reporters, referring to the Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.

The FBI has put out a $50,000 reward for information leading to their release, and the arrest of the individuals who abducted them.