On June 3, 2024, the day following Claudia Sheinbaum’s groundbreaking win as the first female president of Mexico, Cotija’s Mayor, Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, was fatally shot. The state government of Michoacan confirmed her death, expressing deep regret and denouncing the brutal crime. In addition, Jesús V., her bodyguard, was also killed in the attack.
Sanchez Figueroa, who was elected in 2021, suffered at least 19 gunshot wounds outside a gym in Cotija. As per the local law enforcement, unidentified gunmen in a white truck fired at Sanchez and her bodyguard as they were returning home. They then escaped the scene. The victims were transported to a hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. The attorney general’s office in Michoacan has launched a security operation to apprehend the culprits.
Sanchez’s assassination occurs in the midst of Mexico’s ongoing issue with violence against political figures. Her death is the latest in a series of violent episodes that have tainted the recent elections. President Sheinbaum’s sweeping victory has sparked hope for reform, particularly in relation to gender-oriented violence and crime.
The election of Claudia Sheinbaum represents a significant turning point for Mexico. Garnering close to 60% of the total votes, her triumph marks considerable progress for a nation deeply steeped in patriarchal traditions. Nevertheless, her victory also highlights the persistent and widespread violence that afflicts Mexican politics. With 37 political candidates losing their lives during the election period, the risks faced by public servants are evident.
Michoacan, while famed for its scenic tourist locations and agricultural exports, is also battling severe violence due to the presence of drug trafficking and extortion gangs. Sanchez was previously abducted by the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG) in the previous year but was discovered alive three days later. The cartel reportedly threatened her for resisting their influence over the local police.
The recent election cycle has been one of the deadliest in the nation’s history, with numerous assaults targeted at candidates nationwide. In Guerrero, Alfredo Cabrera, a mayoral candidate, was assassinated on May 29 during a campaign event. Despite the deployment of thousands of troops and National Guard members to ensure safety on election day, the violence persisted.
As a former mayor of Mexico City and a key player in the country’s political scene, Claudia Sheinbaum faces substantial challenges as she assumes the presidency. Her administration will need to address the deep-seated issue of crime and enhance security measures to safeguard public officials and citizens. As the nation grieves the loss of Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, the demand for a safer, more secure Mexico intensifies.
