Mayoral Candidate Shot Dead During Street Campaign in Eastern Mexico

Yesenia Lara Killed During Campaign
Four Accompanying Her Also Shot Dead

A candidate running for mayor in Veracruz, eastern Mexico, was shot and killed by armed assailants during a street campaign event.

According to AFP and AP on May 12 (local time), Yesenia Lara, the candidate from the ruling National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party running for mayor of Texistepec in Veracruz, was killed during a campaign event the previous day, ahead of local elections scheduled for June 1.

Authorities stated that four other people who were accompanying Lara were also killed in the shooting. Three people were reported injured.

Mexican flag. Pixabay

Multiple gunshots rang out at the campaign site, and scenes of the panicked crowd fleeing were reportedly broadcast live on social media.

This incident marks the second killing of a candidate in Veracruz ahead of the local elections. On April 29, AP reported that Anuar Valencia, another MORENA mayoral candidate in Coxquihui, Veracruz, was also shot and killed by assailants.

In Mexico, it is known that drug cartels frequently assassinate politicians who are seen as obstacles to their interests.