Tragic Shooting Claims Mayoral Candidate's Life in Mexico Amid Election Tensions
In a devastating incident, a mayoral candidate has been fatally shot and three others wounded in a violent attack in Celaya, Mexico, adding to the growing concerns surrounding the upcoming general election in the country.
A mayoral candidate was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Celaya, Mexico. This incident adds to the violence leading up to the upcoming general election in the country.
Bertha Gisela Gaytán, who was running for mayor in Celaya, was fatally shot on Monday while campaigning in San Miguel Octopan. The state prosecutor's office in Guanajuato confirmed her death as an assassination.
Three more individuals were hurt in the assault, one of whom is Adrián Guerrero, a candidate running for Celaya’s city council.
On Tuesday, Mexico’s Secretariat of Federal Public Security stated that Guerrero is currently reported as missing. This corrects their previous announcement that he had passed away from injuries sustained during the attack.
Authorities are currently gathering information at the scene with the help of investigators and forensic experts to identify the culprits.
Gaytán’s passing is part of a series of recent killings leading up to Mexico’s upcoming general election scheduled for June 2.
Bertha Gisela Gaytán
Bertha Gisela Gaytán
From Bertha Gisela Gaytán
Gaytán had been campaigning for Morena, the party of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Lopez Obrador expressed his condemnation of the attack on Tuesday. He stated, "These events are very regrettable because they are people who are fighting to assert democracy, who are in the streets, showing their faces, fighting for others and it hurts a lot that this happens in our country."
Morena also expressed their deep regret over the "cowardly murder of our colleague."
Our condolences and solidarity go out to her family, friends, and loved ones. We urge the Guanajuato prosecutor’s office and authorities to thoroughly investigate, apprehend those accountable, and ensure justice is served.
Political violence tends to increase during election season in Mexico, and experts interviewed by CNN have noted that this year could be the most violent during Obrador’s six-year term.
According to Integralia, at least 12 candidates were killed and hundreds faced violence from September to March.
Integralia Consultants reported that criminal gangs fund election campaigns, intimidate candidates, and resort to violence to force politicians to collaborate with them. The report also stated that criminal groups target local elections as mayors can provide them protection and benefits in exchange for support in the community.
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In Guanajuato, a state known for its manufacturing industry and production facilities for top carmakers, there have been violent conflicts between drug gangs. These gangs fight for control of the area because of its strategic road and rail connections leading to the US border. This has caused disruption and instability in the region.
Shortly before the attack on Monday, Gaytán mentioned at a political rally that she had asked for security assistance. She stated, "We have already requested help from the state legal system within the party. We are addressing this matter to find a solution. The community supports us and looks out for us, but we will still implement security protocols."
Governor Diego Sinhue Rodríguez Vallejo of Guanajuato strongly denounced the attack, ensuring that those responsible will face consequences.
He also mentioned that he will collaborate with state officials to ensure that individuals participating in electoral activities are provided with necessary protection.
On June 2, over 100 million Mexicans are set to participate in a general election. A total of 20,375 positions will be up for election, with 19,746 being local positions and 629 federal positions, including the presidency.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic assassination of mayoral candidate Bertha Gisela Gaytán underscores the alarming surge in political violence plaguing Mexico's upcoming general election. Her
