Morena Candidate Killed Amid Mexico Election Violence

Yesenia Lara Gutiérrez, a mayoral candidate from Mexico's ruling Morena party, was shot and killed along with three supporters during a campaign event in Texistepec, Veracruz, an assault that was streamed live on Facebook. Three others were wounded in the attack, which authorities including President Claudia Sheinbaum and Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle condemned, promising thorough investigations at both federal and state levels. No motive has been confirmed, but the killing highlights a surge in violence against politicians in Mexico, where over 480,000 people have died since 2006 in incidents often tied to organized crime and cartels. This assassination follows the recent murders of other local officials, underscoring the dangers faced by candidates, particularly at the municipal level. The government has pledged increased security for candidates as the country prepares for the June 1 elections, one of the largest and most contested in its history. The violence has fueled concerns over the influence of organized crime in Mexican politics.