On Sunday, Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate in Texistepec, Veracruz, was shot and killed during a campaign rally. The attack, which also claimed the lives of four of her companions, including her daughter, occurred as Lara Gutiérrez led a caravan of supporters through the town. In addition to the fatalities, three others were injured during the ambush. Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle confirmed the tragic deaths on Monday, vowing to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure safety during the upcoming elections.
Attack Shocks the Community and Heightens Anxiety
Family, friends, and supporters gathered in Texistepec on Monday to mourn the loss of Lara Gutiérrez and the others who were killed. The violence has sparked widespread fear ahead of Veracruz’s municipal elections scheduled for June 1. Joaquín Fonseca, a supporter of Lara Gutiérrez, expressed his deep concern, calling the incident an act of terrorism. “We can’t live like this anymore — this is terrorism,” he said. “There are five dead, not just one. We’re living in constant fear.”
The attack has deeply affected the community, with residents growing increasingly fearful of the violence that has plagued the region. Family friend Cruz Morales described the profound impact the violence has on rural communities, saying, “We’re afraid to walk in the fields or visit family after dark.” As political violence escalates, residents of Texistepec are left with a growing sense of uncertainty and dread.
Violence Escalates in Veracruz as Municipal Elections Loom
The assassination of Lara Gutiérrez marks the second killing of a mayoral candidate in Veracruz during the current election cycle. On April 29, Germán Anuar Valencia, a candidate from the same political party, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena party, was murdered in Coxquihui on the first official day of the campaign. Both deaths highlight the increasingly dangerous environment for candidates running for office in the region, particularly in areas controlled by organized crime groups seeking to influence local governments.
Governor Nahle confirmed that at least 57 local candidates have requested additional security from both state and federal authorities. However, it remains unclear whether Lara Gutiérrez had received any protection before the attack. Local elections are set to take place in all 212 municipalities of Veracruz on June 1, but candidates often face high risks in these elections, as organized crime works to exert influence over local governments.
Further Violence Escalates Tensions in Veracruz
The violence in Veracruz did not stop with the attack on Lara Gutiérrez. Later on Monday, reports surfaced of another shooting in Boca del Río, which resulted in the deaths of two federal agents and a civilian. The scene was secured by soldiers and federal agents, though neither state nor federal officials have confirmed the number of fatalities. These recent incidents of violence only add to the growing sense of insecurity as the region approaches its elections.
Governor Nahle has vowed to take action to ensure that the upcoming municipal elections are free and fair, with an increased security presence in place. “No public office is worth dying for,” she stated during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of upholding the democratic process in the face of growing threats.
Calls for Action and Justice
The tragic death of Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez has left a community in mourning and a region on edge. As political violence continues to escalate in Veracruz, there are growing calls for authorities to take stronger action to protect candidates and ensure that the election process can take place without further bloodshed. The people of Veracruz now find themselves grappling with the uncertainty of their political future, as organized crime continues to threaten their safety and the democratic process.
As the region prepares for the June 1 elections, the focus now shifts to ensuring that justice is served for Lara Gutiérrez, her supporters, and all victims of this senseless violence. The eyes of the nation remain on Veracruz as the political climate grows ever more tense.