A mayoral candidate and five other individuals were killed in a violent attack during a campaign rally in the southern Mexico state of Chiapas. Among the victims was mayoral candidate Lucero López Maza, as well as a young girl. Two others were injured in the incident. The attack occurred when armed civilians engaged in a confrontation at the political event in the rural town of La Concordia, Chiapas. It was not immediately clear if López Maza was the intended target, given the prevalence of shootings in the area where the incident took place.
The region near the Guatemalan border is known for being a major drug and migrant smuggling route, with Mexico’s main drug cartels vying for control of the territory. In a separate incident just a few days prior, 11 individuals were killed in a village in Chiapas, which was believed to be linked to drug gang violence. The Roman Catholic Church stated that the killings were carried out in retaliation against residents who had refused to join or work for criminal gangs. Chiapas has seen a surge in violence due to territorial disputes and criminal organizations’ interest in various illicit activities.
The violence in Chiapas has raised concerns and brought attention to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has been criticized for his handling of the situation. The president has been accused of downplaying the violence and failing to confront drug cartels effectively. During a visit to the border state, López Obrador sought to minimize the issue, stating that the violence was localized to specific regions and would be addressed accordingly. However, the violence in Chiapas has drawn attention to the broader issue of violence in the lead-up to Mexico’s July 2 elections, with approximately 20 candidates being killed in 2024.
Critics have accused López Obrador of dismissing reports of violence and attacking those who have raised concerns about the escalating violence. The president has portrayed those highlighting the killings as sensationalists seeking to profit from human suffering. López Obrador’s comments have drawn criticism for his lack of acknowledgment of the severity of the situation and his failure to address the underlying issues contributing to the violence. The violence in Chiapas serves as a reminder of the challenges facing Mexico in addressing criminal organizations and maintaining security during the political process.
The killings in Chiapas and other violent incidents leading up to the elections have highlighted the dangers faced by political candidates and officials in Mexico. The high number of attacks and killings have raised concerns about the safety of candidates and the integrity of the electoral process. The prevalence of violence in various regions of Mexico has underscored the challenges of maintaining security and combating criminal organizations. The incidents in Chiapas serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to address violence and maintain stability in the country.
