On Monday, June 3, 2024, just a day after Claudia Sheinbaum’s historic victory as Mexico’s first woman president, the mayor of Cotija, Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, was gunned down. The Michoacan state government confirmed her death, expressing profound sorrow and condemnation for the brutal act. Her bodyguard, Jesús V., also lost his life in the attack.
Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, elected in 2021, was shot at least 19 times outside a gym in Cotija. According to local authorities, gunmen in a white truck opened fire on Sanchez and her bodyguard while they were walking home, before fleeing the scene. Both Sanchez and her bodyguard died later in the hospital. The Michoacan attorney general’s office announced a security operation to capture the perpetrators.
Sanchez’s death comes amid Mexico’s ongoing struggle with violence against political figures. Her murder follows a string of violent incidents that marred the recent election season. Claudia Sheinbaum’s landslide victory brought a wave of hope for change, especially concerning gender-based violence and crime in the country.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s win is seen as a pivotal moment for Mexico. She secured nearly 60% of the vote, marking a significant step for a nation rooted in macho culture. However, her victory also underscored the persistent and pervasive violence that plagues Mexican politics. During the election period, 37 political candidates were killed, highlighting the dangers faced by public officials.
Michoacan, known for its picturesque tourist destinations and agricultural exports, also grapples with severe violence due to the presence of drug trafficking and extortion gangs. Last year, Sanchez was kidnapped by the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG) but was found alive after three days. The cartel reportedly threatened her for opposing their control over the municipal police force.
This election cycle was one of the bloodiest in Mexico’s history, with numerous attacks targeting candidates across the country. In Guerrero, mayoral candidate Alfredo Cabrera was killed at a campaign event. Despite the deployment of thousands of soldiers and National Guard members to ensure security on election day, the violence continued unabated.
Claudia Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City and a prominent figure in Mexican politics, faces significant challenges as she steps into her new role as president. Her administration must tackle the country’s entrenched crime issues and improve security measures to protect public officials and citizens. As Mexico mourns the loss of Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, the call for a safer, more secure nation grows louder.
