On May 29, a mayoral candidate in Mexico was murdered at a campaign event in Coyuca de Benitez, Guerrero, in a shocking incident captured on video. The assassination is yet another addition to the increasing number of political killings during the 2024 Mexican election cycle.
The mayoral candidate, Alfredo Cabrera, was in the midst of his final campaign rally, interacting with supporters, when he was fatally shot at point-blank range by an unidentified gunman. The video reveals Cabrera’s final moments as he stood smiling, ready to address the crowd of roughly 300 people.
According to eyewitness accounts, the shooter was immediately neutralized at the scene, leading to an uproar among the crowd. The National Guard, present at the event, responded promptly to the crisis.
Evelyn Salgado, the Governor of Guerrero, denounced the killing, calling it a “cowardly act.” She called upon the State of Guerrero’s Attorney General’s Office to ensure a comprehensive investigation, and to bring to justice those responsible. The state prosecutor’s office affirmed the shooter’s death at the scene and disclosed that investigations are ongoing.
The assassination of Cabrera signifies a broader trend of violence against political figures in Mexico. The 2024 election cycle has witnessed unparalleled violence, with over 36 candidates having been murdered. This surge in violence makes it the deadliest election in Mexican history.
Just a day prior to Cabrera’s assassination, another mayoral candidate, Ricardo Arizmendi, was killed in the central state of Morelos. Additionally, another candidate, Gilberto Palomar, was injured by gunfire in Jalisco state. These incidents highlight the severe security problems confronting candidates throughout Mexico.
Often, the violence against political figures is linked to drug cartels and organized crime groups seeking to manipulate local governments. Since 2006, when the Mexican government began deploying the military to combat drug trafficking, over 450,000 individuals have been killed and many thousands remain missing. This ongoing conflict poses a significant challenge for the new Mexican president.
Presidential winner Claudia Sheinbaum has vowed to continue the current administration’s “hugs not bullets” strategy, which emphasizes social programs to tackle the root causes of violence. Her primary rival, Xóchitl Gálvez, advocated for a more aggressive approach to cartel-related violence.
Sheinbaum expressed her sympathy for Cabrera’s family and supporters, stating, “We must ensure that our electoral process is safe and that our democracy is protected.” Gálvez also denounced the attack, labeling Cabrera “a generous and upstanding man” and demanding enhanced protection for political candidates.
The Mexican government deployed 27,000 soldiers and National Guard members to bolster security on Election Day, Sunday, June 2.
Political analyst Alejandro Moreno remarked, “The violence we are witnessing is a direct threat to Mexico’s democratic institutions. The government must take decisive action to protect candidates and ensure the integrity of the elections.”
The U.S. State Department has expressed its concern about the escalating violence in Mexico, urging the Mexican government to take all necessary measures to ensure its citizens’ safety and the stability of its democratic processes.
