Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Mexican authorities have announced the arrest of 13 individuals in connection with the assassinations of two top aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada.
Some shit you should know before you read: Over the last year, there has been a notable uptick in political assassinations across Mexico, particularly targeting local officials, candidates, and government personnel amid the country’s volatile election cycle. According to data from Data Cívica, at least 34 political candidates were killed during the 2024 election season alone, making it one of the most violent electoral periods in recent history. A report by Integralia Consultores found that over 250 acts of political violence occurred in the first half of 2024, including kidnappings, threats, and assassinations, many of which were directly linked to organized crime groups seeking to control local territories and influence governance.
What’s going on now: In a notable development, authorities in Mexico City arrested 13 individuals in connection with the targeted assassination of Ximena Guzmán, private secretary to Mayor Clara Brugada, and José Muñoz, her advisor. The murders took place in broad daylight on May 20, when Guzmán was picking up Muñoz from a subway station. As the pair sat in Guzmán’s car, armed men on a motorcycle approached and opened fire, killing both officials instantly. The execution-style killing occurred on a busy avenue in Mexico City, sparking outrage and immediate calls for justice from the public and government leaders.
Mayor Clara Brugada announced the arrests during a press conference, revealing that three of the suspects were directly involved in carrying out the murders, while the remaining ten played key logistical roles in orchestrating the hit. The operation to detain the suspects was conducted in the early morning hours through a coordinated effort involving local law enforcement, federal authorities, and the military. According to Bertha María Alcalde Luján, Mexico City’s chief prosecutor, the suspects used at least five vehicles (including the motorcycle used in the shooting and two surveillance cars that had tracked the victims for weeks prior).
Authorities believe the attack was originally planned for May 14 but was postponed when Guzmán unexpectedly failed to pick up Muñoz that day.
Both Mayor Brugada and President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the intergovernmental coordination that led to the arrests. Brugada called the arrests “the first steps in an ongoing investigation” and vowed to uncover the full truth. President Sheinbaum echoed this sentiment, calling the attack “deplorable” and expressing her support for the victims’ families, adding that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
