Politics: High profile CDMX killings spark nationwide concern
In a country accustomed to alarming levels of violence and a staggering death count, Mexico was nevertheless shocked by the May 20 murder of two close collaborators of Clara Brugada, head of the Mexico City government. The killing of Brugada’s personal secretary and a close advisor was well planned and executed, indicating a level of sophistication that fed speculation as to the possible motive, with hypotheses varying from organized crime to a politically motivated hit. Ten days later there are still no advances in the investigation. Many observers are leaning into the hypothesis that the murders could be linked to disputes between competing Morena internal groups jockeying for power and perks and, as such, would represent a strong message to Brugada and President Claudia Sheinbaum.
When Sheinbaum was head of the Mexico City government, the capital enjoyed a reputation as being relatively free from drug cartels and high-level crimes. Crime statistics would seem to indicate this, as there has indeed been a significant reduction in homicides and various types of theft (vehicles, businesses, and pedestrians), even though domestic violence, fraud, and threats have posted major increases. Nevertheless, a closer examination reveals that statistics on the decline in homicides are deceiving since, due to methodological considerations involving forensic pathologists, "crimes against health" are not included in the homicide count.
Sheinbaum’s claim to fame as head of the Mexico City government and now as President, underpinned by Minister of Security and Citizen Protection Omar Garcia Harfuch’s efforts, is that the fight against organized crime is a major plank in her administration and has been a success. Nevertheless, organized crime is present in at least 12 of Mexico City’s 16 boroughs. A total of 62 criminal organizations operate in the city, with eight having a significant presence.
Regardless of the results of the investigation, the May 20th killings were a wake-up call both in Mexico City and nationally, a reminder that no corner of the country is free from politically motivated assassinations and cartel and organized crime murders. Claims by the President and her Minister of Security boasting of successes in the recent period will from now on undoubtedly be subject to greater scrutiny and criticism.
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