Veracruz Mayoral Candidate Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez Shot Dead During Campaign March as Political Violence Escalates in Mexico

Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez is seen in a photo taken from her Facebook page. Gutiérrez was killed along with three other people when gunfire broke out during a campaign march

A campaign parade turned deadly Sunday night in Texistepec, Veracruz, when mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez was shot and killed along with three others in a shocking attack captured live on Facebook. The violent ambush, which occurred during a public march filled with supporters, has intensified concerns over growing political violence ahead of Mexico’s June 1 elections.

The Facebook live stream showed Lara, a candidate for mayor under the ruling Morena party, smiling and greeting residents as she walked through the town, surrounded by a caravan of supporters. Just moments into the footage, rapid gunfire erupted off-camera, cutting through the chants and cheers of the crowd. Approximately 20 shots were heard, triggering chaos as people scrambled for cover. The chilling video remained on her Facebook page the next day.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the fatal shooting during her Monday morning press briefing. She stated that the federal government was working with Veracruz state authorities and the attorney general’s office to investigate the attack and provide any necessary support. Sheinbaum emphasized her administration’s focus on ensuring security throughout the electoral process in both Veracruz and Durango.

“Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, candidate of the Morena party, was among the four individuals killed,” the Veracruz state attorney general’s office reported. Three others were wounded in the shooting. Authorities have yet to disclose a motive but have vowed swift justice for the victims.

Mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutierrez was shot dead during a live event in Veracruz, Mexico. The brutal attack also claimed the lives of three of her supporters, leaving three others injured

“No political position or office is worth a person’s life,” declared Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle. “We will identify and bring to justice those responsible for this cowardly murder of Morena’s candidate and supporters in Texistepec.”

The killings come amid an alarming wave of violence targeting political figures across Mexico. Attacks on candidates and elected officials have become distressingly common during election seasons. In 2023 alone, 661 attacks were recorded against politicians and political facilities, according to human rights organization Data Cívica.

May 2024 has already seen multiple high-profile killings. A mayoral candidate in Guerrero was assassinated during a campaign stop, while the mayor of Cotija, Michoacán, was shot dead walking home from the gym. In October, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo, Guerrero's capital, was killed less than a week after taking office.

The escalating violence reflects the dangerous intersection of politics and organized crime in various regions of the country. Despite repeated calls for reform and protection for candidates, local-level politicians remain highly vulnerable to targeted attacks.

Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez’s assassination adds to a growing list of political figures lost to electoral violence and underscores the urgent need for systemic change and increased security during Mexico’s volatile election periods.

Video of the live event where a Mexican Mayoral candidate was shot dead