Mexico City Mayor’s Aides Killed in Ambush Attack

Two top aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada were shot dead in an early morning ambush(ambush attack) in the central neighborhood of Moderna. Private secretary Ximena Guzman and adviser Jose Munoz were the victims of the attack, which has sparked widespread condemnation. According to Al Jazeera’s John Holman, reporting from Mexico City, “The reasons for this one are still unknown. But there are powerful criminal groups in the capital fighting for territory and control of lucrative rackets.” Politicians can sometimes get in the way, as seen elsewhere in the country.

Mayor Brugada condemned the killings and pledged to continue her administration’s “relentless fight against insecurity”. During a news conference, she emphasized that “investigating, clarifying and ensuring there is no impunity is our commitment.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, a Brugada ally and former mayor of the capital, expressed condolences over the killings and vowed to ensure that “justice is served”. She added, “We express our solidarity and support for the families of these two individuals who have worked in our movement for a long time. We know them, we stand with their families, and we will give her [Brugada] all the support the city needs from the Mexican government.”

Mexico has one of the highest murder rates globally, largely due to violence driven by drug cartels. Although the capital is known for its relative security compared to the rest of the country, violent incidents still occur. According to Holman, there were 50 political murders in Mexico in the first three months of the year alone, highlighting the severity of the situation. In 2020, Mexico City’s security chief, Omar Garcia Harfuch, survived an ambush by gunmen that killed two of his bodyguards and a bystander.

The spate of killings in Mexico recently has sparked global concerns as world leaders continue to condemn how precious human lives are lost in political and terrorism trajectory.