Video footage captured the murder of Alfredo Cabrera, a mayoral candidate, during his campaign event in Coyuca de Benitez, Guerrero, Mexico on May 29. This tragic incident is the latest in a series of political assassinations in Mexico’s 2024 election period.
Cabrera was in the middle of his closing campaign rally, engaging with his supporters, when an unidentified shooter killed him at point-blank range in the back of the head. The video shows Cabrera’s last moments alive, standing ready to address an audience of approximately 300 people.
Witnesses reported that the assailant was swiftly neutralized at the scene, causing pandemonium among the crowd. The National Guard, already present at the event, promptly responded to the situation.
Guerrero’s Governor, Evelyn Salgado, condemned the assassination as a “cowardly act” and urged the State of Guerrero’s Attorney General’s Office to ensure a thorough investigation and bring those involved to justice. The state prosecutor’s office confirmed the shooter’s death on the scene and stated that investigations are underway.
Cabrera’s murder reflects an alarming trend of violence against political figures in Mexico. Over 36 candidates have been assassinated during the 2024 election cycle, making it the most deadly election in Mexican history.
Just a day before Cabrera’s murder, another mayoral candidate, Ricardo Arizmendi, was slain in the central state of Morelos. In addition, another candidate, Gilberto Palomar, was wounded in a shooting in Jalisco state. These episodes underscore the significant security threats facing candidates across Mexico.
The violence against political figures is often associated with drug cartels and organized crime syndicates attempting to control local governments. Since the Mexican government started using the military to fight drug trafficking in 2006, over 450,000 people have been killed, and many thousands are still missing. This ongoing conflict presents a substantial challenge for the new Mexican president.
New President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to maintain the current administration’s “hugs not bullets” approach, which focuses on social programs to address the root causes of violence. In contrast, her main opponent, Xóchitl Gálvez, proposed a more forceful strategy towards cartel-related violence.
Sheinbaum extended her condolences to Cabrera’s family and supporters, stating, “We must ensure that our electoral process is safe and that our democracy is protected.” Gálvez also condemned the attack, describing Cabrera as “a generous and upstanding man” and calling for increased protection for political candidates.
To enhance security on Election Day, Sunday, June 2, the Mexican government deployed 27,000 soldiers and National Guard members.
Political analyst Alejandro Moreno commented, “The violence we are witnessing is a direct threat to Mexico’s democratic institutions. The government must take decisive action to protect candidates and ensure the integrity of the elections.”
The U.S. State Department has voiced its concern about the escalating violence in Mexico, urging the Mexican government to adopt all necessary measures to secure its citizens’ safety and the stability of its democratic processes.
