Sheinbaum presses charges after public groping
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says she will press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance in Mexico City. Video showed the man approach her from behind, touch her, and attempt to kiss her. Authorities have since arrested the suspect.
Sheinbaum said she was pressing charges to take a stand for women’s safety in a country where harassment is pervasive.
The incident also raised questions about presidential security, as it occurred just days after the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo. The Associated Press (AP) notes that mayors in Mexico are especially vulnerable to organized crime.
A line drawn
At a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum confirmed she would not change her policy of interacting closely with supporters, the BBC reported. She also explained her decision to press charges, noting the man had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd, as well.
“A line must be drawn,” Sheinbaum said, asking, “if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women?”
‘Michoacan Plan for Peace and Justice’
The incident came just days after the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo. In response, the AP reports that Sheinbaum unveiled her “Michoacan Plan for Peace and Justice,” an initiative that combines tougher policing with social investment.
Public Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch will lead the plan, deploying more National Guard troops and federal agents to support local police.
According to the AP, the program also includes new investigative units, rural infrastructure projects, and “peace forums” to address the root causes of violence.
Sheinbaum said details of the Michoacan plan will be released in coming days and reiterated her pledge to “restore peace with justice” without returning to a militarized “war against drugs.”
US pressure and Mexican sovereignty
The White House condemned Manzo’s killing and urged Mexico to take stronger action against cartels. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the U.S. is “continually pushing Mexico to do more to tackle drug trafficking and the drug cartels within their country.”
The debate over Sheinbaum’s security and Mexico’s sovereignty comes as the Trump administration weighs the possibility of a new mission to send U.S. troops and intelligence officers into Mexico to strike drug cartels.
NBC News reports planners are considering operations under Title 50 authorities, involving CIA participation and Joint Special Operations Command forces, centered on drone strikes against labs and cartel leaders.
Sheinbaum rejected suggestions that U.S. troops could be sent into Mexico to confront cartels, saying Mexico is a “free, independent and sovereign country,” according to the Telegraph.
Trump administration officials say coordination with Mexico remains the goal, but that acting unilaterally hasn’t been ruled out.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
