In a shocking act of political violence, Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate from Mexico’s ruling Morena party, was assassinated along with her daughter and two supporters during a campaign event on Sunday evening. The attack occurred in Texistepec, Veracruz, and was captured on a Facebook Live stream, highlighting the escalating dangers faced by political candidates in the country.
Lara Gutiérrez was leading a campaign procession through the streets of Texistepec when gunmen opened fire, killing her, her daughter, and two supporters. Three others were injured in the attack. The incident was broadcast live on Facebook, with the video capturing the sudden chaos as gunshots rang out, causing supporters to flee in panic.
This assassination marks the second killing of a Morena mayoral candidate in Veracruz ahead of the June 1 elections. On April 29, Germán Anuar Valencia was shot dead at his campaign headquarters in Coxquihui. These incidents underscore the increasing violence targeting political figures in Mexico, particularly at the local level where criminal groups often seek to exert influence.
Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle condemned the attack, stating, “No position or office is worth a person’s life.” She pledged that state authorities would work diligently to bring those responsible to justice. President Claudia Sheinbaum also addressed the incident, affirming that federal support would be provided to ensure the safety of electoral processes in Veracruz and other states.
Lara Gutiérrez’s assassination is not the first tragedy to strike her family. In 2022, her husband, Enrique Argüelles, a former city council member in Texistepec, was also murdered. These personal losses highlight the pervasive threat of violence in the region.
In response to the growing violence, 57 local candidates in Veracruz have requested security measures. It remains unclear whether Lara Gutiérrez was among them. The state is set to hold municipal elections in all 212 municipalities on June 1, amidst a climate of fear and insecurity.
