What started as a lively campaign rally ended in tragedy on Sunday night, May 11, when Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate in Texistepec, Veracruz, was shot and killed during a Facebook livestream.
The ambush also claimed the lives of three others and injured three more.
The disturbing video, which remained on Gutiérrez’s Facebook page the following day, captured the Morena party candidate engaging with supporters during a festive street parade.
Moments later, the celebration descended into chaos as roughly 20 gunshots erupted off-camera, triggering panic and sending the crowd scattering.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the assassination during her Monday morning press briefing, stating that the federal government is coordinating with state authorities.
She added that additional support would be provided through the Secretary of Security and the attorney general’s office to aid in the investigation and ensure justice.
“We are coordinating closely, especially with Veracruz and Durango, given the electoral period leading up to the June 1 elections,” Sheinbaum said.
Gutiérrez, representing the ruling Morena party, was one of four people killed in the sudden attack, according to the Veracruz state attorney general’s office. While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident.
🇲🇽😱 Mexican Cartel Kills Mayoral Candidate Live on Air
In the Mexican state of Veracruz, mayoral candidate Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez was shot dead on livestream during a campaign event in the city of Texistepec. Three other people were also killed in the ambush.
The attack… pic.twitter.com/df7Mn4Mk6S
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 13, 2025
“No political position is worth a human life,” said Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle on X (formerly Twitter). “We will find those responsible for this cowardly murder.”
Violence targeting political figures has sharply increased in Mexico, especially during election periods. According to the human rights organization Data Cívica, 661 attacks were recorded against political individuals and facilities last year alone, with most victims being local-level candidates.
This recent wave of violence follows several high-profile killings. In May 2024, a mayoral candidate was shot during a campaign stop in Guerrero. Shortly after, the mayor of Cotija in Michoacán was also gunned down.
In October, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero, was assassinated just days after assuming office.
