Rudolph Angler Gunmen in Texistepec, Veracruz, shot and killed mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, along with four others, including her daughter. The attack occurred as Lara Gutiérrez led a caravan of supporters through the town. Three additional people were injured in the assault. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle confirmed the deaths and vowed to ensure a full investigation and increased security ahead of the upcoming June 1 elections.
Deadly Attack Shakes Veracruz Town
Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a prominent mayoral candidate from the ruling Morena party, was tragically shot and killed during an attack in the town of Texistepec on Sunday. The shooting claimed the lives of five people, including Lara Gutiérrez’s daughter. The violence occurred as Lara Gutiérrez was leading a caravan of supporters through the town when the gunmen opened fire. Three others were wounded in the attack.
Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle confirmed the deaths in a Monday press conference, expressing her condolences and condemning the violence. “No political office is worth dying for,” Nahle stated, emphasizing the need for justice. She also pledged to ramp up security efforts to protect candidates and ensure fair elections on June 1.
Community in Mourning and Fear
The tragic events have left the community of Texistepec reeling. On Monday, family, friends, and supporters gathered for a wake to mourn Lara Gutiérrez’s death. The shooting has heightened fears in the region, as violence continues to escalate in the run-up to the elections. Supporters like Joaquín Fonseca expressed their outrage, calling the attack an act of terrorism. “We’re tired of this terror. Five people are dead. This is terrorism,” Fonseca said.
Local resident Cruz Morales shared his concerns about safety, noting that many residents are now avoiding fields and staying home in the evenings. “We don’t know what might happen on the way,” Morales said. Texistepec, a town of approximately 20,000 people, is located southwest of the oil port city Coatzacoalcos and has been grappling with cartel-related violence for some time.
Political Violence Continues Ahead of Veracruz Elections
The murder of Lara Gutiérrez is the second assassination of a mayoral candidate in Veracruz during the current election campaign. On April 29, Germán Anuar Valencia, another mayoral candidate from the Morena party, was killed by gunmen in the municipality of Coxquihui. Both Lara Gutiérrez and Valencia were prominent figures in the Morena party, which is associated with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
Governor Nahle revealed that 57 candidates had requested additional security from federal or state authorities due to concerns over violence during the campaign. It is not clear whether Lara Gutiérrez had received security protection before the fatal attack. Local candidates in Veracruz are often vulnerable to criminal groups, which seek to gain influence in town governments.
Increasing Violence in Veracruz: More Deaths Reported
The violence in Veracruz appears to be escalating. Later on Monday, media reports confirmed another deadly shooting in Boca del Río, Veracruz. Two federal agents and a civilian were reportedly killed in the incident, although officials have not yet confirmed the details. Federal agents and soldiers were dispatched to secure the area following the attack.
The growing violence in the region has raised serious concerns about the safety of candidates, voters, and officials alike as Veracruz heads toward its municipal elections on June 1. The state’s political landscape has long been marred by organized crime and cartel activity, and the recent killings have further underscored the risks associated with running for office in the region.
The tragic deaths of Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez and others have sparked widespread fear and mourning in Veracruz. With the June 1 municipal elections approaching, the state faces heightened concerns about the safety of candidates and voters. Governor Nahle’s commitment to investigating the killings and increasing security efforts is critical in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
The violence plaguing Veracruz calls for urgent attention and action from both local and federal authorities. Ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in the democratic process must remain a priority in the face of escalating criminal activity. As the community of Texistepec continues to mourn, there is a growing hope that justice will prevail, and that future elections will be conducted free from fear and violence.