What began as a vibrant campaign rally turned into a deadly ambush in Texistepec, Veracruz, on Sunday night, May 11, when mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutirrez was fatally shot during a Facebook livestream. The attack also claimed the lives of three others and left three people injured. The chilling footage, still available on Gutirrezs Facebook page the following day, shows the Morena party candidate greeting residents and walking with supporters in a festive parade. The mood quickly shifted to panic as around 20 gunshots rang out off-camera, sending the crowd fleeing.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the assassination during her Monday morning press briefing, stating that the federal government is in contact with state authorities and ready to offer additional support through the Secretary of Security and the attorney generals office. We are coordinating closely, especially with Veracruz and Durango, given the electoral period leading up to the June 1 elections, Sheinbaum said. Gutirrez, a candidate from the ruling Morena party, was among the four people killed in the sudden attack, the Veracruz state attorney generals office confirmed. Authorities say the motive is still unknown, but an investigation is underway. Mexican Cartel Kills Mayoral Candidate Live on AirIn the Mexican state of Veracruz, mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutirrez was shot dead on livestream during a campaign event in the city of Texistepec. Three other people were also killed in the ambush.The attack pic.twitter.com/df7Mn4Mk6S NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 13, 2025No political position is worth a human life, said Veracruz Governor Roco Nahle on X (formerly Twitter). We will find those responsible for this cowardly murder.Violence against political figures has surged in Mexico, particularly during election seasons. Human rights group Data Cvica reported a record 661 attacks on political figures and facilities last year, most targeting local-level candidates. This is not the first high-profile killing in recent months. In May 2024, a mayoral hopeful was shot dead during a campaign stop in Guerrero. Days later, the mayor of Cotija in Michoacn was gunned down, and in October, the mayor of Chilpancingo, Guerreros capital, was assassinated just days after taking office.
0 Comments