In a stark illustration of the escalating political violence in Mexico, two public officials were assassinated in separate incidents, underscoring the growing threats faced by politicians amid the country’s ongoing struggle with organized crime.
On April 28, Anuar Valencia, a mayoral candidate from the ruling Morena party, was shot and killed in Coxquihui, Veracruz, on the first day of his campaign. The attack occurred shortly after Valencia had launched his campaign and was leaving his campaign headquarters when over two dozen gunmen opened fire. The assault also left five people injured, including two minors.
In a separate incident on the same day, José Luis Pereida Robles, the Secretary General of the Teocaltiche City Council in Jalisco, was fatally shot at a seafood restaurant. His murder follows a series of violent events in the region, including the assassination of Teocaltiche Police Chief Ramón Grande Moncada two weeks earlier.
These incidents highlight the increasing threats faced by politicians amid cartel-related violence. Local officials expressed grief and outrage, calling for justice and greater protection.
Authorities have not made arrests in either case, and investigations are ongoing.
The broader crisis extends beyond Jalisco and Veracruz, with nationwide reports of political assassinations, including the beheading of a mayor in Guerrero.
These events underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect public officials and restore stability in regions plagued by organized crime.