Introduction
On May 20, the Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, addressed the media with a minute of silence to mourn the tragic loss of her secretary, Ximena Guzmán, and coordinator of aides, José Muñoz. The two were killed in the Benito Juárez alcaldía during the morning hours.
The Victims and Brugada’s Response
Brugada, visibly shaken, remembered Ximena and José fondly, describing them as remarkable, hardworking, and intelligent individuals. She extended her condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends while reaffirming her commitment to combating insecurity in the capital.
“Ximena was an extraordinary woman, tireless and good. José has been a close friend since childhood; he is one of the most intelligent and responsible people I have known. My heart goes out to their families, friends, loved ones, and colleagues in our fight. We are deeply saddened by the loss of these cherished colleagues in our city government,” Brugada said.
She also acknowledged the support from Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, and her cabinet, as well as expressions of solidarity from citizens, organizations, mayors, legislators, governors, and capital city government officials.
Brugada assured the citizens of Mexico City that her government will persist in its relentless fight against crime and continue working towards the transformation of the city.
The Crime
Around 7:00 AM on May 20, a gunman shot at least ten times at Ximena and José while they were traveling in a car on Calzada Tlalpan, near the Modern Colony in Benito Juárez alcaldía. The assailant then fled on a motorcycle.
Through video surveillance footage analysis, authorities secured a motorcycle near the scene and another vehicle in Iztacalco alcaldía, possibly linked to the incident. The investigation is ongoing to identify the suspects.
Ballistic and fingerprint evidence was collected at the crime scene, according to a joint press release from the local security department and capital prosecutor’s office.
Ximena and José’s bodies were released to their families for funeral services, attended by Brugada and former Mexico City Fiscal, Ernestina Godoy.
Attack on the Government Structure
Security experts warn that the assassination of Brugada’s aides should not be viewed as an isolated incident but rather as an attack on the local government structure. It could also serve as a high-impact political and criminal message.
Lisa Sánchez, Executive Director of Mexico United Against Crime (MUCD), explained that the crime is “a completely targeted act with a double meaning.” While it represents the killing of a citizen, it also targets the public servant’s role within the state.
“This case could receive significant media attention, scrutinizing the authorities’ conduct and their response in terms of security and justice. The government’s reaction to this crime and its resolution could impact the public’s perception of the Head of Government and their satisfaction with the administration,” Sánchez added.
Victor Hernandez, a scholar at the Iberoamerican University, noted that although the perpetrators have not been definitively identified, the operation was meticulously planned and executed during daylight in a central area, indicating an intent to convey a message of impunity.
Hernandez proposed a hypothesis suggesting the Sinaloa Cartel’s possible involvement, given its current restructuring phase and potential desperation. However, he emphasized that this is merely one of many possible scenarios.
The expert also pointed out structural errors in federal and local government security measures, particularly regarding the protection of public officials. He recalled how early in López Obrador’s administration, executive protective measures like armored vehicles for high-ranking officials were eliminated.
“The message is clear: no one is safe in this city… Someone can murder the Head of Government’s most trusted confidant, causing a significant political earthquake,” Hernandez opined.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the victims? Ximena Guzmán, Brugada’s secretary, and José Muñoz, coordinator of aides.
- What was the nature of the attack? The assailant shot at Ximena and José while they were traveling in a car, then fled on a motorcycle.
- How did authorities respond? Authorities secured a motorcycle and another vehicle based on video surveillance footage analysis. Ballistic and fingerprint evidence was collected at the crime scene.
- What are experts saying about the attack? Security experts view this as an attack on the local government structure and a high-impact political/criminal message. The operation was likely planned, executed during the day in a central area, and intended to convey a message of impunity.
- What are potential motives behind the crime? Some experts suggest the Sinaloa Cartel’s possible involvement, given its current restructuring phase and potential desperation. However, this remains a hypothesis among many.
- What are the structural security concerns raised? Critics point out the elimination of protective measures for high-ranking officials, such as armored vehicles, early in López Obrador’s administration.
