Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, the mayor of Cotija in northwestern Michoacán state, was shot to death. The shooting took place at an opposition campaign meeting in Veracruz on Sunday evening. The attack happened as she was returning home from a gym, with her bodyguard. What happened next was astonishing in front of the supporters—and filmed live on Facebook. Viewers were transported through time and space to hear 20 gunshots echoing around the confusion.
As the horrific video remained posted to Lara’s official Facebook page the next day. It showcased her welcoming constituents as she made her way through the streets of Texistepec in a motorcade. The purpose of the event was to energize support for her campaign. Instead, it exploded into violence, with four people shot and killed—including Lara—before three others were shot and wounded.
At her Monday morning press conference, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly acknowledged the attack. She was alarmed, she told us, by the uptick in political violence in Mexico. She promised that her new administration will work hand in hand with Veracruz’s state authorities. Secondly, she will help with federal assistance, established by connecting with the state AG’s office.
“We’re coordinating, particularly with the Secretary of Security, and with all the support needed during this electoral period from Veracruz and Durango,” – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
The motives behind Lara’s assassination remain unclear. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle reacted with disarming sensibility to the tragedy, declaring that human life should take precedence over political aspirations.
“No position or office is worth a person’s life,” – Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle
The type of violent attack that Lara Gutiérrez faced occurs under a wider umbrella of political–criminal violence in Mexico. Last year, the nation experienced a record increase in hate-fueled attacks. In its most recent annual report, Data Cívica for the first time documented over 661 attacks on people and facilities. This growing trend raises again concerns about the safety of public officials. The defense of the rule also endangers the very integrity of our nation’s electoral processes.
As investigations into Lara Gutiérrez’s death continue, her community mourns the loss of a leader committed to serving her constituents. This tragic incident is more than just the story of her personal loss. It is a dangerous time in the political climate of Mexico with the continuous election season incoming.
