Another political assassination shocks Mexico since the evening of Sunday, May 11, with the victim being Yessenia Lara Gutierrez, a candidate for the Morena party in Tehistepec, Veracruz state.

The killing occurred during a campaign gathering, while several mobile phone cameras were recording. The candidate was greeting citizens in the municipality, participating in a procession with flags, slogans, and honking. However, chaos ensued when more than 15 gunshots were heard. The exact moment of the attack was captured on various videos circulating on social media.

Asesinan a Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, candidata de Morena en Texistepec, Veracruz durante caravana

Yessenia Lara was killed instantly, along with three other people, according to local media reports. Two others were rushed to a hospital with injuries.

Second murder in a few days

The killing of Yessenia Lara is the second in just a few days involving a candidate from the ruling party. On April 29, a candidate in the Coxquihui municipal community was murdered.

The local prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the murder, and authorities are working to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Meanwhile, concerns are rising ahead of the federal elections in 2025, amid ongoing targeting of political candidates.

Last year, Mexico set a tragic record for victims of political violence. The human rights organization Data Cívica recorded 661 attacks against individuals and facilities. Many of the victims held or were running for municipal positions.