Ximena Guzmán, personal secretary of Mexico City’s mayor Clara Brugada and adviser José Muñoz murdered in a cowardly ambush. This horrific event was the catalyst for many changes that swept through the city’s political landscape. The collision reportedly occurred on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, a famous avenue in Mexico City. It tragically left three people dead and raised the question of whether public figures and their aides are still safe in the metro area.
Clara Brugada now holds the second most powerful political position in all of Mexico, behind none other than President Claudia Sheinbaum. She railed against the murders as a stark “attack on direct action.” The carnage has heightened concern regarding the increasing sway of organized crime over Mexican electoral politics. Politicians and their staff often wind up on the receiving end.
Eyewitness reports indicate that José Muñoz had been shot three times, resulting in fierce backlash from political leaders since the moment this incident occurred. Both Brugada and Sheinbaum, who are political comrades in the Morena party, have spoken of their commitment to see justice served.
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico City’s police chief, who narrowly escaped an attempted assassination in 2020, stated, “We deeply regret the loss of our colleagues … We will not allow this cowardly attack to go unpunished.” He had already survived one violent episode when gunmen from the Jalisco New Generation cartel attacked his car. This event underscores the immense threat that our law enforcement and political leaders bravely walk to protect us every day.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the former mayor who succeeded her as president last year, expressed outrage, declaring it a “deplorable” incident. She pledged that her administration would provide any and all support needed and requested by Mayor Brugada. She further noted that the attack was carried out while the assailants rode on motorcycle.
Brugada promised to continue seeking justice for her aides. “There will be no impunity. Those responsible will be arrested and must face justice,” she declared emphatically. The mayor is unapologetic and resolute in the face of Mexican citizens’ demands. They are demanding accountability — especially as violence against public figures has increased sharply in recent years.
Incidents like this are unusual in Mexico City. Yet, they stress the unaddressed problems of organized crime’s control over politics. Having suffered deeply from gun violence, the city has become a battleground for these dueling forces. It remains a central focus of power and law, order and civility.
As investigations unfold, the incidents have reignited discussions about the safety of public officials and the need for more robust measures to protect them from violent crime. The tragic deaths of Ximena Guzmán and José Muñoz serve as a grim reminder of the challenges confronting Mexico’s political landscape.