Mexican mayoral candidate gunned down during live broadcast of campaign rally

A campaign rally in Veracruz, Mexico turned deadly on Sunday night when Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate, was shot and killed alongside three others. The tragic event unfolded during a parade in Texistepec and was captured in real time on a Facebook Live broadcast.

The video showed Gutiérrez walking through the streets, smiling and greeting residents, surrounded by a crowd of supporters. The parade, filled with chants and cheers, quickly descended into chaos as gunfire erupted off camera. Viewers could hear at least 20 shots. The footage remained on Gutiérrez’s Facebook page the following day.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the attack during her Monday morning press conference. She stated that federal authorities are working with state officials to investigate the shooting. “We’re coordinating, particularly with the Secretary of Security,” Sheinbaum said. “All the support needed during this electoral period will be available to Veracruz and Durango.”

Authorities have not released a motive for the attack. Gutiérrez was affiliated with Morena, the ruling party led by Sheinbaum. The state attorney general’s office confirmed that the candidate and three others died in the attack, while three more were injured.

The mayor of Veracruz, Rocío Nahle, condemned the violence on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “No position or office is worth a person’s life. We will find those responsible for this cowardly murder of the Morena candidate and supporters in Texistepec.”

CNN has reached out to Morena party officials, local authorities, and the Texistepec city council for more information. As of Monday night, no arrests have been announced.

This killing is part of a disturbing trend in Mexico, where political violence intensifies during election cycles. According to Data Cívica, a nonprofit that tracks political-criminal violence, there were 661 attacks in 2023 alone. The majority targeted individuals involved in municipal politics, including candidates and public officials.

Just two weeks ago, another mayoral candidate was shot dead during a campaign stop in Guerrero. That killing, like the one in Veracruz, was recorded on video. In the same week, the mayor of Cotija in Michoacán was ambushed and killed while walking home with a bodyguard. In October 2023, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo, Guerrero's capital, was murdered less than a week after taking office.

Experts believe organized crime groups may be targeting local politicians to exert control over regions. Smaller towns often serve as strategic points for drug routes and money laundering. Political figures seen as threats—or unwilling to cooperate—can become targets.

In an interview with CNN, correspondent Isobel Yeung described Mexico’s political environment as “extremely volatile,” adding, “Violence is just everywhere.”

Human rights groups continue to call for stronger protections for candidates and public servants. The Mexican government has promised to increase security during the run-up to the June 1 elections.

But for many communities, including Texistepec, the damage is already done. Fear lingers, and trust in the political system continues to erode.

Sunday’s shooting underscores the ongoing risks for those seeking to serve their communities. It also raises urgent questions about Mexico’s ability to protect its democratic process from the grip of violence.

As the investigation continues, Veracruz officials vow justice. But for Gutiérrez’s supporters, the grief is raw and the fear is real.

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