In a tragic turn of events, Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa, the mayor of Cotija in Michoacán, Mexico, was killed just a day after Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as Mexico's first female president. This incident has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a historic moment for gender equality in the country.

The Michoacán state government condemned the brutal murder and announced that a comprehensive security operation has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators. Sanchez was walking back home from a gym with her bodyguard when they were both shot by gunmen in a white van. She and her bodyguard later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

Sanchez had previously been kidnapped in September 2023 in Zapopan, only to be released three days later. Local media reports suggest that her kidnappers were members of the notorious Jalisco Cartel - New Generation (CJNG). This previous incident raises questions about the ongoing security threats faced by political figures in Mexico, much of which is attributed to violent criminal organizations.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s election as the country's first female president was widely celebrated as a milestone in a nation grappling with rampant gender-based violence. However, Mexico's recent election season leading up to Sheinbaum's win was marred by significant violence. Dozens of political candidates and applicants were killed by criminal organizations, highlighting the severe security challenges faced by political figures.

Sheinbaum's presidency will officially begin on October 1, as she takes over from the outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Her victory is seen as a beacon of hope, but the killing of Mayor Sanchez underscores the grim reality that political violence remains a significant issue. Mexico has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, characterized by widespread violence against women and over 100,000 missing persons.

The new administration will face enormous challenges in addressing these security issues and ensuring the safety of its citizens, especially women, who continue to be disproportionately affected by violence. The tragic death of Yolanda Sanchez Figueroa serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security and justice reforms in Mexico.