MEXICO CITY — On Tuesday, two close aides to Mexico City’s mayor were fatally shot in a brazen attack, marking the most serious assault on public officials in the capital in recent years. The victims, Ximena Guzmán, the mayor’s personal secretary, and José Muñoz, an adviser, were killed in the Moderna neighborhood, prompting widespread concern.
Details of the Attack
The shooting took place around 7 a.m. when Guzmán and Muñoz were driving through a busy Mexico City street in an Audi. Gunmen fired several shots at the vehicle, with four bullet holes piercing the driver’s side windshield. One of the victims was found lifeless on the pavement. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive, but initial reports suggest it may be linked to organized crime.
Political Reaction
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada, who holds a prominent political role, expressed her grief in a statement, emphasizing her long professional relationship with the victims. She vowed that her administration would continue its “relentless fight against insecurity.” Brugada, visibly distressed, condemned the attack and reaffirmed her commitment to tackling crime in the capital.
Analysis and Speculation
Security analyst David Saucedo noted that the nature of the killings resembled an organized crime hit. He suggested that the attack could have been designed to send a message or exert pressure on the mayor’s administration. One of the key concerns raised was why someone as important as Guzmán did not have a security detail, given her position within Brugada’s team.
Government Response
President Claudia Sheinbaum, former mayor of Mexico City and an ally of Brugada, strongly condemned the killings. She assured the public that there would be no impunity for the perpetrators and stated that she was unaware of any specific threats against Guzmán.
While homicides in Mexico City have seen a slight increase in recent months, this high-profile attack has raised further alarm about security in the capital.
