Mexico City’s mayor Clara Brugada personal secretary and adviser both shot dead

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Gunmen Ambush and Kill Two Aides of Mexico City Mayor in Daytime Attack

In a shocking incident that has left the residents of Mexico City reeling, two top aides of Mayor Clara Brugada were brutally shot dead in a daytime ambush by gunmen on Tuesday. The victims, identified as the mayor’s private secretary, Ximena Guzman, and her adviser, Jose Munoz, were targeted in the heart of the city center.

The assassinations have sent shockwaves through Mexico’s capital, known for its relative security in a country plagued by violence. Political violence has become increasingly common in Mexico, with numerous local political figures falling victim to targeted killings often linked to drug cartels.

Forensic investigation and expert services personnel at the crime scene. Credit: Xinhua/Shutterstock

According to initial reports, Guzman was driving to work when she stopped to pick up Munoz on a busy avenue in downtown Mexico City. Two gunmen on a motorcycle approached Munoz and shot him dead on the street. They then fired multiple shots at Guzman inside the vehicle, killing her.

While authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, security experts believe it to be a targeted hit orchestrated by organized crime groups. Mexico City’s civil security office has seized a motorcycle and a vehicle in connection with the incident and is analyzing ballistic and fingerprint evidence.

Mayor Brugada expressed deep sorrow over the loss of her colleagues, emphasizing their shared dreams and struggles. She thanked President Claudia Sheinbaum and her cabinet for their support and vowed to ensure that those responsible for the killings face justice.

Jose Munoz Crime Scene — The body of Jose Munoz covered at the crime scene. Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Police patrols have cordoned off the area to facilitate forensic investigations, as the city grapples with the repercussions of this brazen attack. Experts believe the incident to be a stark message aimed at Mayor Brugada, likely orchestrated by drug trafficking organizations.

This tragic event echoes a similar attack in 2020 when Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch was targeted in an assassination attempt that claimed the lives of two of his bodyguards. The incident was attributed to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful drug groups.