In the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, Mexico, tragedy struck as a candidate running for mayor from the governing Morena party, Yesenia Lara Gutiรฉrrez, was killed along with four others in an attack confirmed by authorities on Monday. This incident, which took place amidst election campaign activities, marks the second time a local political aspirant has been assassinated in Veracruz ahead of the June 1 election.
The attack occurred on Sunday while Lara Gutiรฉrrez was leading a group of supporters through the town of Texistepec. Reports indicate that three additional people sustained injuries during the assault. Veracruz Governor Rocรญo Nahle, also affiliated with the Morena party of President Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed at a press conference on Monday that Lara Gutiรฉrrezโs daughter was one of the victims.
Texistepec, located southwest of Coatzacoalcos, a significant port for the petroleum industry, is reeling from this violent act. Governor Nahle condemned the violence, stating, โNo (elected) position is worth dying for,โ and vowed to ensure justice is served. She assured the public that authorities would work towards guaranteeing that the upcoming elections are both free and democratic.
In a somber wake held on Monday in Texistepec, supporters and family members gathered to mourn the late candidate and express the fear that the violence has instilled. Joaquรญn Fonseca, a supporter, voiced his frustration by declaring, โWe canโt continue with the insecurity, weโre tired of all of this, this is terrorism.โ Another family friend, Cruz Morales, lamented on the perilous state of public safety, saying, โWeโre afraid to go into the fields, to go see our family in the evening, because we donโt know whatโs going to happen to us on the way.โ
This attack makes Lara Gutiรฉrrez the second mayoral candidate from the Morena party to be killed during the campaign period. Germรกn Anuar Valencia, also aligned with the governing party, was shot dead on April 29, the initial day of campaigning, at his campaign office in Coxquihui, located in northern Veracruz.
Governor Nahle noted that 57 candidates had sought security measures offered by state and federal agencies, though it remains unclear if Lara Gutiรฉrrez was among them. Veracruz is set to hold municipal elections across 212 municipalities on June 1, a period during which candidates are often at risk as organized crime groups aim to exert control over local governments.
On Monday, additional reports surfaced of an attack in Boca del Rio, Veracruz, where two federal agents and another individual were killed. A photojournalist documented federal forces maintaining security around the location of the incident. State and federal authorities have yet to confirm details surrounding this latest act of violence.