Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, the mayor of Cotija, Mexico, was fatally shot on June 3, 2024, a day following the landmark victory of Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman president of Mexico. The Michoacan state government confirmed the death of Figueroa and her bodyguard, Jesús V., expressing deep regret and denouncing the violent act.
Figueroa, who was elected in 2021, was hit by at least 19 bullets outside a local gym. The authorities reported that unidentified gunmen in a white truck targeted Figueroa and her bodyguard during their walk home, fleeing the scene immediately after. Figueroa and her bodyguard later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. A security operation was launched by the Michoacan attorney general’s office to apprehend the culprits.
The murder of Figueroa is part of an escalating trend of violence against political figures in Mexico. This comes on the heels of numerous violent incidents that tainted the recent election season, despite Sheinbaum’s historic victory fostering hope for a shift in the nation’s challenges with gender-based violence and criminality.
Sheinbaum’s election, with an impressive nearly 60% of the vote, is a turning point for Mexico, a country steeped in a machismo culture. However, her triumph also underscores the ongoing violence that shadows Mexican politics. A total of 37 political candidates were slain during the election season, shedding light on the risks faced by public figures.
Michoacan, while renowned for its attractive tourist spots and agricultural exports, also wrestles with rampant violence due to the existence of drug trafficking and extortion gangs. Figueroa herself was a victim of kidnapping by the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG) last year, but was discovered alive after three days. The cartel had reportedly threatened her for resisting their dominance over the municipal police.
The recent election cycle has been one of the bloodiest in Mexican history, with a spate of assaults targeting candidates nationwide. In Guerrero, for instance, mayoral candidate Alfredo Cabrera was murdered during a campaign event on May 29. Despite the deployment of thousands of soldiers and National Guard members to ensure election day security, the violence persisted.
As the former mayor of Mexico City and a notable figure in Mexican politics, Claudia Sheinbaum faces a formidable task in her new role as president. Her administration is tasked with addressing the deep-seated issues of crime and enhancing security measures to safeguard public officials and citizens alike. As Mexico mourns the tragic loss of Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, the demand for a safer, more secure nation becomes increasingly urgent.
