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What we know about the Mexican mayor who was killed
Photo Credit: Facebook/Yolanda Sanchez
The joy after the election of Mexico’s first female president seems to have been cut short following the murder of the mayor of Cotija, Yolanda Sánchez.
The BBC report stated that gunmen reportedly killed the female mayor just hours after the country celebrated the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as the nation’s first woman president.
Sánchez, who was the first female to be elected in 2021, was shot in the same town she governed. According to the report, she was ambushed by gunmen in the centre of Cotija, Michoacán, on Monday, June 3.
According to the local media, she was shot 19 times and passed away in a hospital. Her bodyguard also lost his life in the gunfight.
Although there haven’t been any arrests made in relation to the incident thus far, it’s commonly believed that the gunmen were part of an organised crime group.
Kidnapping history and threats
Following her election to office in September 2021, Ms. Sánchez reported having received death threats.
When she went to the nearby state of Jalisco in 2023, she was kidnapped at gunpoint and detained by armed men for three days. Prior to releasing her, the lawmaker claimed that the kidnappers had made “demands” and subjected her to “psychological terror”.
Although she claimed not to know which criminal organisation they were associated with, local media said that the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) was the most likely responsible.
The CJNG is involved in kidnapping for ransom and extortion in addition to drug trafficking.
It is notorious for pursuing public servants who defy its orders.
According to Ms. Sánchez, the persons who had threatened her upon taking office had asked that she turn over town security to state police personnel who work for organised crime gangs.
Refusing, she requested that the town be fortified by the military. After the incident, the mayor was also given armed bodyguards.
Politicians killed during elections
Mexico’s general election, in which two women highly contested the presidency, was overshadowed by widespread violence against politicians.
Official statistics indicate that over 20 political candidates have died since September; however, independent surveys state that the actual number is closer to 40.
One of the numerous difficulties Ms. Sheinbaum will face as president, according to analysts, is the murderous cartels in Mexico.
