In a shocking and brazen act of violence, the personal secretary and an adviser to the mayor of Mexico City were shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in broad daylight. This brutal attack occurred in the heart of the city, specifically in the Moderna neighborhood, causing a wave of fear and outrage among residents and officials alike.

Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her personal secretary, Ximena Guzmán, and adviser, José Muñoz. She condemned the murder as a “direct attack” on her administration and promised that authorities would leave no stone unturned in their quest for justice. Brugada stated that the police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including reviewing surveillance camera footage in hopes of identifying the assailants.

“There will be no impunity. Those responsible will be arrested and must face justice,” Brugada declared emphatically, underscoring her commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable for this heinous crime. The mayor wields considerable political power, serving in the second most significant position in the country after President Claudia Sheinbaum, with whom she shares a strong political alliance within the Morena party.

Omar García Harfuch, the chief of police for Mexico City, took to social media to express his condolences for the tragic loss of his colleagues. He stated, “We deeply regret the loss of our colleagues … We will not allow this cowardly attack to go unpunished,” reflecting the urgency and determination felt by law enforcement in the wake of such a violent act. Notably, Harfuch himself was the target of a previous assassination attempt in 2020, when he was ambushed by gunmen from the notorious Jalisco New Generation cartel, an incident that left him wounded and resulted in the deaths of three individuals.

The recent attacks raise concerns about the safety of politicians and public servants in Mexico, particularly in light of the ongoing struggles against organized crime. During her daily press conference, President Sheinbaum, who previously served as the mayor of Mexico City before her presidential victory last year, remarked on the incident, stating that the individuals believed to be responsible for the murders were on a motorcycle. “It is a deplorable incident and we are going to give all the support that the mayor may need,” she assured, emphasizing the need for solidarity and swift action against such criminal activities.

While targeted attacks against politicians are not uncommon in Mexico, they are relatively rare within the capital, a city that has often been perceived as more secure compared to other regions plagued by violence. This incident has, however, reignited fears regarding the influence of organized crime and the safety of public officials, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and law enforcement efforts.