Morelos mayor shot dead after surviving earlier attack

Valentín Lavín Romero, a Green Party mayor allied with the ruling Morena coalition, was shot dead on Wednesday in the state of Morelos, Mexico. The killing marks the 14th mayoral murder since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024, adding to a growing list of local officials targeted across the country.

Lavín had survived an earlier assassination attempt in late January when gunmen fired at him at a petrol station on a motorway, leaving him wounded but alive. The new attack, which occurred in a public setting, was carried out by hired hitmen and resulted in his death. Police are investigating the motive and the identity of the assailants, while the incident has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of elected officials in Mexico.

The murder underscores the escalating violence that has plagued Mexican politics in recent months. Authorities have urged increased security measures for public officials, and the incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of protection protocols for those in office. The investigation continues as officials seek to bring those responsible to justice.