Mexican Mayoral Candidate Gunned Down During Live Broadcast of Campaign Rally

Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez / Facebook

A campaign rally in Texistepec, Veracruz, turned into a scene of terror on Sunday night when mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez was shot and killed during a live broadcast. The attack, which also claimed the lives of three others, was captured on a Facebook livestream, sending shockwaves across Mexico.

A Campaign Rally Turned Tragic

Lara, a candidate for Mexico’s ruling Morena party, was greeting supporters and parading through the streets when gunfire erupted off-camera. The livestream showed residents cheering before the sound of at least 20 gunshots drowned out their voices. Panic ensued as people ran for cover, and the video remained available on Lara’s Facebook page the following day.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the attack during her Monday press conference, stating that her government was coordinating with Veracruz officials and offering federal support. Authorities have yet to determine a motive, but the state attorney general’s office has launched an investigation.

Political Violence in Mexico

The assassination of Lara is the latest in a string of violent attacks against politicians in Mexico. Last year, the country recorded 661 incidents of political-criminal violence, with many victims being municipal-level candidates or officials. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle condemned the attack, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. “No position or office is worth a person’s life,” she stated on social media.

Political assassinations have become alarmingly common in Mexico, particularly during election cycles. In May 2024, a mayoral candidate was killed in Guerrero, followed by the murder of Cotija’s mayor in Michoacán. The escalating violence has raised concerns about the safety of candidates ahead of the upcoming June 1 elections.

Calls for Justice and Security

Authorities are under pressure to ensure security for political figures as Mexico prepares for its next round of elections. Lara’s murder has reignited debates about the influence of organized crime in politics and the urgent need for stronger protections for candidates.

As investigations continue, the people of Texistepec mourn the loss of a leader who sought to bring change to their community. The tragedy serves as yet another grim reminder of the dangers faced by politicians in Mexico’s volatile electoral landscape.