13 May, Mexico
A mayoral candidate and three others were shot dead during a campaign rally in Veracruz, Mexico.
In a horrific uptick of political violence ahead of Mexico’s upcoming general elections, a candidate for mayor and three others were killed by gunfire in Veracruz state in southeastern Mexico, authorities confirmed Monday.
Alfredo Miguel Ríos, a mayoral candidate from the opposition Citizens’ Movement Party (Movimiento Ciudadano), was shot during a campaign stop in the town of San José de los Remedios, a municipality that is known for organized crime activity. The shooting occurred at about 7:45 p.m. during a small campaign rally, the local police told reporters.
Ríos, 49, was speaking to a group of supporters outside a community center when armed assailants arrived in two pickup trucks and began firing indiscriminately.
In addition to Ríos, a campaign manager, a bodyguard, and a local activist were also killed at the scene. At least two more people, including a journalist, were wounded and are currently in the hospital.
The gunmen fled the scene following the shooting. No one has been arrested yet, although authorities have opened a comprehensive investigation and sent additional security forces to the area.
The shooting comes amid what seems to be a troubling trend of pre-election violence throughout Mexico. Politicians across the country are preparing for the general elections on June 2, which includes the presidential election, elections to fill all seats in Congress and elections for thousands of local positions—all of this means the stakes are high and the danger is greater.
According to Etellekt, a risk analysis agency that monitors political violence, over 30 political candidates have been assassinated since the campaign season opened in September 2024. Veracruz, along with Guerrero, Michoacán, and Oaxaca, is one of the most dangerous states for politicians, especially those running for local positions.
Movimiento Ciudadano issued a statement condemning the killing as “an attack on democracy” and called for it to be investigated at the “federal level.”
“We regret the assassination of Alfredo Miguel Ríos, a man dedicated to the change and well-being of his community. Violence cannot rule the future of our country,” the statement said.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who is in his last year of office, recognized the rise of electoral violence in his morning news conference. He pledged to take timely action and encouraged political parties to unite to assure safe and fair elections.
“We cannot allow fear to guide our democracy,” he stated. “The federal government is working with state and local forces to protect candidates and restore order.”
As the country recovers from its latest tragedy, the preoccupation for political aspirants – and especially those at the municipal level- is growing. Analysts are quick to warn that violence can undermine voter turnout and deter political engagement in places impacted by organized crime.
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