From Festive Campaign to Chaos: Over 20 Gunshots Fired, Mayoral Candidate Killed Ahead of Election in Mexico

Around 20 Shots Fired: Four Dead, Including Candidate, and Three Injured
Local Authorities Launch Investigation
"We Will Find and Strictly Punish the Perpetrator"

Another incident has occurred in Mexico in which a mayoral candidate was killed in a shooting during an election campaign. On the 12th (local time), international media outlets including CNN reported that, on the previous day, a mayoral candidate and three supporters were shot dead and three others were injured at an election campaign event held in Veracruz state, eastern Mexico. Local media identified the victim as Yesenia Lara Gutierrez, the MORENA (National Regeneration Movement) party candidate for mayor of Texistepec, affiliated with President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Mexico is notorious for frequent attacks on politicians. Especially last year, numerous politicians were killed or injured in shootings. According to the human rights organization Data Civica, 661 attacks on people and facilities were reported in Mexico last year. AP·Yonhap News

The event, which began in a festive atmosphere, was instantly transformed into a scene of terror by the shooting. A video broadcast live on Facebook captured approximately 20 gunshots, with people screaming and running in panic, showing the chaos at the scene. President Sheinbaum confirmed during a press conference on the morning of the 12th that a shooting had occurred, stating, "There is no specific information about the motive yet."

President Shane Baum confirmed during a press conference on the morning of the 12th that a shooting had occurred, stating, "There is no specific information about the motive yet." Photo by EPA and Yonhap News

She further added that the government is working closely with the Veracruz authorities and will provide all necessary federal support if needed. The Veracruz authorities have launched an investigation and have promised strict punishment. Rocio Nahle, governor of Veracruz, emphasized, "No position or office is more valuable than a human life," and stressed, "We will make sure to find this despicable murderer."

Mexico is notorious for frequent attacks on politicians. Especially last year, numerous politicians were killed or injured in shootings. According to the human rights organization Data Civica, 661 attacks on people and facilities were reported in Mexico last year. Most of the victims were individuals holding public office or running for election. Around May last year, a mayoral candidate was shot dead during a campaign in Guerrero state, and a few days later, a mayor was killed by gunfire while walking home from a gym with a bodyguard. In October, the mayor of Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero state, was murdered less than a week after taking office.