Mexico City, Oct. 18, 2024 – The brutal assassination of a Mexican mayor has ignited public outrage and raised serious concerns over the government’s ability to tackle escalating violence in the country. Critics are now questioning the security strategy championed by Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s presidential front-runner, who has vowed to restore peace in one of the world’s most violence-ridden nations.
The mayor, Fernando Hernández, was gunned down in broad daylight in his town’s main square, becoming the latest victim in a wave of political violence that has gripped Mexico in recent years. Authorities suspect the involvement of organized crime, though no group has yet claimed responsibility.
A Deadly Pattern of Political Violence
Hernández’s killing adds to a growing list of mayors, local officials, and activists targeted by criminal groups. Analysts say these attacks are designed to intimidate officials, consolidate control over territories, and undermine the government’s authority at the local level.
Political violence has become an endemic issue, particularly in regions where drug cartels and criminal organizations operate freely. The killing reflects the dangers faced by public officials in Mexico, with over 40 mayors killed since 2018.
“This is more than just a murder—it’s a direct attack on the state’s authority,” said security analyst Alejandro Hope. “It sends a chilling message to other officials that they could be next.”
Sheinbaum’s Security Plan Under Scrutiny
Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City and the leading contender in next year’s presidential election, has promised a comprehensive security plan to address organized crime. However, critics argue that her proposals lack clear strategies and have yet to show concrete results.
The core of Sheinbaum’s security approach focuses on addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty and lack of education, alongside improving police training and intelligence operations. She also advocates for maintaining President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s controversial policy of “hugs, not bullets,” which emphasizes social programs over direct confrontation with cartels.
However, many see this strategy as insufficient given the scale of the crisis. “The public wants results, not promises,” said political analyst Denise Dresser. “Each high-profile murder weakens faith in the government’s ability to protect citizens and officials alike.”
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The killing of Mayor Hernández has sparked protests in his municipality, with citizens demanding justice and more robust security measures. Local activists and residents have expressed frustration with the government’s slow response and fear that the murder will go unpunished, as many other political killings have in the past.
“The authorities keep saying they’ll fix things, but nothing ever changes,” said a protester during a candlelight vigil. “We want justice, not empty words.”
Opposition politicians have also criticized Sheinbaum’s approach, calling for a more aggressive stance against organized crime. “Social programs won’t protect people from bullets,” said PAN senator Xóchitl Gálvez, one of Sheinbaum’s rivals in the upcoming election.
Government Response and Investigation
In response to the backlash, federal authorities have pledged to launch a full investigation into the mayor’s killing. The National Guard has been deployed to the area, but residents remain skeptical of the government’s capacity to solve the crime, given the impunity that often accompanies political assassinations in Mexico.
“The deployment of the National Guard is often reactive and doesn’t address the underlying problem,” said security expert Eduardo Guerrero. “Without long-term strategic changes, the violence will continue.”
A Critical Test for Sheinbaum
The killing presents a serious challenge for Sheinbaum as she builds her presidential campaign around the promise of peace and security. While she remains the favorite to succeed López Obrador, public confidence in her ability to handle the security crisis is being tested.
With elections just months away, Sheinbaum’s campaign faces mounting pressure to present clearer solutions for combating organized crime. Whether she can restore trust and offer a credible path forward could determine the outcome of the 2024 election.
For now, the anger over Hernández’s murder serves as a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague Mexico—and the enormous task awaiting whoever takes the helm of the nation next.