In Mexico, a mayoral candidate was shot dead on live television

The attack took place on the evening of May 11 in the town of Tequistepec during a public event that was streamed live on Facebook, CNN reported.

The video captured the ruling Morena party candidate greeting locals and walking down the street accompanied by supporters. The crowd is chanting slogans when suddenly about 20 gunshots ring out.

Four people are killed in the attack, including Gutierrez. Three other people were injured.

“We are coordinating our actions, including with the security minister, and we are providing all the necessary support during this electoral period together with the authorities of the state of Veracruz”, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said.

Attacks on politicians, particularly candidates for local office, have become commonplace in Mexico during the electoral process. According to the human rights organization Data Cívica, there were a record 661 attacks on persons or premises associated with political activity in the country over the past year. Many of the victims held or were running for municipal office.

In May 2024, in the state of Guerrero, a mayoral candidate was killed during a campaign rally. A few days later, the mayor of Cotia in Michoacán state was shot dead as she was returning home from the gym. In October, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo was killed less than a week after being elected.

Photo: Facebook/Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez.