Claudia Sheinbaum, the ruling Morena party’s presidential candidate, has vowed that justice will be delivered in the high-profile case involving the brutal killing of two government aides in Chiapas. The victims, Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca and Humberto Domínguez, were found dead on Monday after reportedly being kidnapped during campaign activities. The shocking double homicide has intensified scrutiny of election-related violence across Mexico.
Speaking during Tuesday’s morning press conference — widely referred to as the “mañanera” — Sheinbaum offered her condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized that the case would not go unanswered. “There will be justice,” she said firmly, pledging her support for the ongoing investigation and insisting that the state must not yield to organized crime or political intimidation.
The victims were both affiliated with the campaign of senator and gubernatorial candidate Llaven Abarca, who is seeking office in the highly volatile southern state of Chiapas. Their deaths have drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, underscoring the rising insecurity surrounding Mexico’s electoral process, especially in regions plagued by cartel violence.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also present at the press conference, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “This is a deplorable and painful event,” he said, adding that federal authorities were already working in coordination with state officials to bring those responsible to justice. He maintained that the government remains committed to safeguarding the democratic process in the lead-up to the June 2 elections.
So far, no arrests have been made, and details surrounding the motive remain unclear. However, the killings appear to be part of a broader pattern of violence targeting political figures and campaign personnel. According to several watchdog organizations, over 30 political candidates or campaign workers have been killed across the country since late 2023.
Sheinbaum, who has campaigned on promises of law and order while aligning closely with AMLO’s policies, is facing growing pressure to address voter concerns about security. Her remarks during the press conference signaled an attempt to reassure the public that her government, if elected, would prioritize the rule of law.
Interior Minister Luisa María Alcalde also spoke at the event, highlighting government efforts to prevent further violence. She mentioned that security has been reinforced in high-risk areas and that a task force continues to monitor threats against political candidates. However, critics argue that these efforts are too little, too late, pointing to systemic impunity and weak state institutions.
Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize both Sheinbaum and AMLO, accusing the Morena-led government of failing to maintain public safety. PAN presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez tweeted that the killings show “the state has lost control,” and called for international human rights monitors to observe the upcoming elections.
Despite the political tension, Sheinbaum remained composed during the press conference, reiterating her commitment to democratic principles and justice. “No political project should be tainted by blood,” she said. “This is a time to defend democracy, not destroy it.”
With less than two weeks until election day, the tragedy has cast a shadow over the final stretch of campaigning. Analysts warn that continued violence could depress voter turnout and further erode trust in government institutions. As Mexico prepares to elect its next president, the nation’s deepening security crisis remains one of the most urgent issues shaping the political landscape.
Source: Mexico News Daily
