On Tuesday, a shocking act of violence struck the political core of Mexico City when Ximena Guzmán, private secretary, and José Muñoz, adviser to the city’s mayor, were gunned down in what authorities have called a “direct and highly planned attack.” Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed their deaths and mourned the loss of two trusted colleagues.
As the second most powerful political figure in the country, Brugada’s close affiliation with President Claudia Sheinbaum and the ruling Morena party adds political gravity to the incident. The attack occurred in the Moderna neighborhood as the victims were on their way to work.
Security Footage, Seized Evidence, and Coordinated Investigation Reveal a Carefully Executed Political Attack
A surveillance video circulating on social media appears to capture the brutal event. In the footage, a man can be seen approaching a parked vehicle, while another, wearing a helmet, opens fire. The gunman then flees the scene. Authorities have acknowledged the existence of the footage and confirmed it is under investigation.
The assault took place near Calzada de Tlalpan and Napoleón Street. On Wednesday, authorities stated that at least four individuals are believed to have played a role in the attack, which they suspect was executed with precision by individuals with prior experience.
Assassination of Mexico City Mayor’s Aides Marks Alarming Surge in Political ViolenceIn response to the incident, the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office and the Citizen Security Secretariat launched a coordinated investigation. A motorcycle and a vehicle—both possibly linked to the attack—were seized from different locations. Prosecutor Bertha Alcalde Luján stated that while the motive remains unclear, investigators are not ruling out any possibilities.
Mayor Brugada and President Sheinbaum expressed grief and pledged full support to uncover the truth. Both emphasized their long-standing relationships with Guzmán and Muñoz, who had been committed members of the Morena movement.
Rising Political Violence in Mexico Threatens Officials’ Safety and Undermines Democratic Stability
The killings are part of a disturbing trend of escalating political violence in Mexico. In 2023, over 660 attacks on political figures and facilities were recorded, the highest on record, according to human rights organization Data Cívica. Politicians, especially those at the municipal level, have increasingly become targets.
Recent months have seen a wave of high-profile assassinations, including multiple mayors and mayoral candidates gunned down in public or during campaign events, highlighting the grave security risks for public servants across the country.
These attacks have sparked widespread concern about the safety of public officials and the rule of law in Mexico. The murders of Guzmán and Muñoz not only represent a personal loss to the city’s leadership but also serve as a chilling reminder of the broader climate of insecurity.
As investigations continue, national leaders face pressure to address the root causes of political violence, including organized crime and corruption. The government has vowed justice for the victims, but the broader question remains: can Mexico effectively protect its public officials amid this growing wave of violence?
