Veracruz [Mexico], May 13 (HBTV): A mayoral candidate and three others were shot dead during a campaign march in Texistepec, Veracruz, on Sunday night. The incident, which was captured on a Facebook live stream, showed Yesenia Lara Gutierrez of the ruling Morena party greeting supporters moments before gunfire erupted, according to CNN.
The video, still available on Lara’s Facebook page, captured around 20 gunshots fired off camera as people smiled and chanted during the campaign procession.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the attack during a press conference on Monday. While she did not disclose a possible motive, Sheinbaum stated that her government is coordinating with Veracruz state officials and has offered federal assistance, including contact with the state attorney general’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,’ she said, referring to the upcoming June 1 elections in both states.
According to the Veracruz attorney general’s office, Lara Gutierrez and three others were killed in the shooting, while three more people were injured.
Authorities have launched an investigation and pledged swift justice. In a post on X, Veracruz Governor Rocio Nahle stated: ‘No position or office is worth a person’s life. We will find those responsible for this cowardly murder of the Morena candidate and supporters in Texistepec; four people died and three were injured. I have instructed @FGE_Veracruz and security not to stop until they find them.’
Political violence has surged in Mexico ahead of the 2024 general elections. Human rights group Data Civica reported 661 attacks this year alone targeting individuals and facilities involved in political activity. Many of the victims were municipal-level officials or candidates.
This incident follows a series of high-profile political assassinations. In May 2023, a mayoral candidate was shot dead during a campaign stop in Guerrero. Days later, the mayor of Cotija in Michoacán was killed while returning home from the gym with her bodyguard. In October, the mayor of Chilpancingo was assassinated less than a week after taking office. (ANI)