A tragic incident occurred in Mexico during the election campaign: a candidate for mayor was shot live on air in the city of Tecistepec, Veracruz state, causing shock and outrage across the country
This attack became one of the most brutal in a series of political murders that are already overshadowing the electoral process in Mexico. According to local law enforcement authorities, the event took place on May 11th in the evening during a public event that was broadcast live on Facebook. Video footage shows candidate Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez — a representative of the ruling party "Morena" — warmly greeting local residents and walking through a crowd accompanied by her supporters. Everyone present was cheering slogans of support when suddenly over twenty gunshots rang out. This happened in front of viewers watching the live broadcast. According to official information from the Veracruz State Attorney General’s Office, four people died as a result of the attack, including the candidate herself. Three others were seriously injured and are currently in medical facilities, their condition remains critical. Law enforcement officers worked intensively at the scene, shedding light on the motive behind the crime and identifying the suspects. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to the tragedy the next day. She assured that the government and law enforcement agencies are fully engaged in identifying those responsible, and emphasized that all necessary security measures have been taken to ensure stability before the elections. In her speech, she stated: “We are coordinating our actions with the Minister of Security and all competent authorities to protect candidates and citizens during this difficult period.” The president emphasized that political violence in Mexico is increasing and that decisive action is required. Research by human rights organizations indicates the widespread problem of violence in the country’s political sphere. According to Data Cívica, only last year Mexico recorded a record 661 attacks directed at politicians or objects related to political activity. This includes the murders of candidates, local officials, and activists actively involved in the electoral process. Serious incidents of political violence in Mexico have become particularly acute in recent years. For instance, in May of the previous year, a mayoral candidate was shot dead during a campaign event in Guerrero state, prompting international condemnation. Less than a week later, a mayoral aspirant in Michoacán was murdered on her way home after training at a gym. And in October, less than a week after her election, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo was found dead. These tragic cases highlight the deepening security crisis in the country’s political sphere. Mexico’s authorities, responding to the rising number of attacks and murders, have announced plans to strengthen security measures and punish those responsible. However, official statistics and numerous testimonies from civil activists point to a systemic problem and the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety of candidates and activists, as well as to combat drug cartels and organized crime, which have a significant influence on the political process.