- Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate from Mexico’s Morena party, was shot dead during a campaign rally in Texistepec, Veracruz.
- The attack claimed the lives of four people, including Lara Gutiérrez’s daughter, and wounded three others.
- Authorities pledged increased security measures ahead of the June 1 elections amid escalating political violence in the state.
The murder of Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate from the Morena party, has sent shockwaves through the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. Lara Gutiérrez was leading a caravan of supporters in Texistepec when gunmen opened fire, killing her, her daughter, and three other individuals.
Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle condemned the violence and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also expressed concern over the incident. She promised federal support to maintain security in Veracruz and Durango ahead of the June 1 elections.
Escalating Political Violence in Veracruz: Another Mayoral Candidate Assassinated
Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a candidate running for mayor in Texistepec under the Morena party, was fatally shot during a campaign rally. It was being streamed live on Facebook. Gunfire erupted while Lara Gutiérrez was greeting supporters. This abruptly ended the festive atmosphere and left four people dead, including her daughter. Three others were wounded in the attack. It has intensified concerns over political violence in the state.
The incident is the second killing of a local candidate in Veracruz in the lead-up to the June 1 elections. The attack has drawn national attention, with President Claudia Sheinbaum addressing the incident during a morning press conference. She confirmed that federal authorities are coordinating with state officials to stabilize the region and prevent further violence.
Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle, also from Morena, pledged to intensify security measures in the days leading up to the elections. “No elected position is worth dying for,” Nahle said, urging calm while vowing swift action to apprehend those responsible. The governor also noted that the state’s security apparatus would be on high alert to safeguard the electoral process.
Political violence has plagued Veracruz for years, with candidates and elected officials frequently targeted by criminal organizations. The murder of Lara Gutiérrez underscores the broader climate of fear and instability. This climate threatens to undermine democratic processes, particularly in regions where organized crime exerts significant influence.
The assassination of Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez underscores the grave dangers faced by political candidates in Mexico. Escalating violence continues to cast a shadow over the electoral process.
“No elected position is worth dying for,” said Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle, as she vowed to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
