On May 20, tragedy struck in Mexico City when Ximena Guzmán and José Muñoz were shot and killed in their car. They were both employees of the city’s mayor, Clara Brugada, and were on their way to work when the attack happened. A gunman fired 12 shots at close range, killing both instantly before fleeing the scene with the help of accomplices.
The shocking incident has left the city reeling. Mexico City, often viewed as a safer area compared to the crime-ridden regions dominated by drug cartels, has been shaken by this brutal double murder. The nature of the attack suggests it was a professional hit, raising questions about the motives behind it. Investigators believe the attack may have been aimed at Mayor Brugada, although the identities of those responsible remain unknown.
Authorities have revealed that the attackers had been observing Guzmán and Muñoz for at least a week. They knew the victims’ routine and planned the assault meticulously. After the shooting, the gunman escaped through a part of the city with few security cameras, eventually switching vehicles to evade capture.
The investigation has faced significant challenges. The evidence left behind is sparse, with the handgun and bullets being too common for easy identification. Security footage does not provide clear images of the suspects, and the stolen vehicles used in the escape had altered license plates. The attackers wore gloves, leaving no fingerprints behind. Investigators hoped to find DNA evidence in the abandoned vehicles, but two police commanders overseeing the evidence have been suspended, casting doubt on the integrity of the investigation.
The murders have intensified public concern over security in Mexico. The country has been grappling with rising violence since 2015, a trend that continued under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. His approach to crime focused on social programs rather than aggressive law enforcement, which did not yield the desired results. While murder rates saw a slight decline during his term, the number of missing persons surged, with over 10,000 reported missing in 2024 alone.
Current President Claudia Sheinbaum has made security a priority but has faced criticism for her budget cuts to security services while promising to improve intelligence and investigative efforts. Despite these cuts, recent statistics show a drop in the murder rate, with April 2025 recording the lowest figures since 2016. However, the ongoing wave of missing persons and the alarming frequency of political assassinations highlight the significant challenges that remain.
This recent attack has not only shocked the public but also raised serious questions about the safety of those in political positions and the effectiveness of the government’s strategies to combat organized crime. The situation remains fluid, and many are left wondering what steps will be taken next to restore safety in the capital.