Tensions in Mexico’s election season reached a terrifying high on Sunday as a mayoral candidate was gunned down during a campaign stop—live on Facebook. According to Yahoo! News, Yesenia Lara Gutierrez, a local candidate in the town of Texistepec, was greeting residents when gunfire erupted, fatally striking her and three others. The horrifying incident was streamed in real-time, shocking viewers and quickly making headlines across Mexico and beyond.
Gutierrez, a member of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena Party, was seen as a rising political voice in Veracruz. The attack occurred just weeks before the June 1 general elections, scheduled to take place in Veracruz and neighboring Durango.
Who Was Yesenia Lara Gutierrez? Mayoral Candidate Gunned Down While Greeting Supporters
Yesenia Lara Gutierrez had been actively campaigning to bring change to the region of Texistepec. Known for her community-first messaging and close relationship with the Morena Party, she was focused on tackling local corruption and economic hardship. The ambush occurred in broad daylight. Gutierrez was seen on Facebook Live walking and greeting people through a crowd when multiple gunshots were fired. Chaos erupted as people screamed and scattered. By the time first responders arrived, Gutierrez and three others were pronounced dead on the scene, and several more were injured.
President Sheinbaum confirmed the killing in a press conference the next day, stating, “We’re coordinating, particularly with the Secretary of Security, and with all the support needed during this electoral period from Veracruz and Durango,””
Federal authorities and Veracruz state officials are working together in the ongoing investigation. So far, no suspects have been named publicly, and the motive remains unclear.
Mexico’s Election Season Sees Surge in Political Violence
The news that another mayoral candidate was gunned down comes amid a rising wave of political violence in Mexico. As elections draw near, attacks on politicians—particularly local candidates—have increased dramatically.
This latest incident adds to the growing number of political figures killed or injured in pre-election violence. Experts say criminal organizations and political rivalries are likely behind many of the attacks, though investigations often stall or remain unresolved.
