Candidate for Mayor Shot Dead in Mexico; Several Injured and Killed in Attack

In the Mexican state of Veracruz, a candidate for mayor of Tecistepec, Yesenia Lara Gutierrez, was shot dead during a campaign event. The attack resulted in three additional fatalities and three injuries, according to CNN.

The incident occurred on the evening of May 11 during a public event in the city that was being streamed live on Facebook. Witnesses reported seeing the Morena party candidate greeting local residents and walking down the street with supporters. As the crowd chanted slogans, approximately 20 gunshots were suddenly heard.

Attacks on political figures, particularly candidates for local elected positions, have become commonplace in Mexico during election periods. According to the human rights organization Data Cívica, there were a record 661 attacks on individuals involved in political activities in the country last year. In May 2024, a candidate for mayor was killed during a pre-election rally in Guerrero state. Days later, the mayor of Cotija in Michoacán state was shot while returning home from a gym. In October, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo was killed less than a week after taking office.