Mexican Congressman Benito Aguas Assassinated Amid Growing Political Violence

 

A Mexican federal congressman, Benito Aguas, was assassinated in the latest incident of political violence to rock the country. The Veracruz attorney general’s office confirmed Aguas’ death, adding that another man was also found dead at the scene. The investigation into the suspected murders is currently ongoing.

Aguas, a member of Mexico’s Green Party, was part of the ruling coalition that includes the Morena Party, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who assumed office in October. Local media reports indicated that Aguas was shot multiple times in Zongolica, a mountainous municipality in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. He later succumbed to his injuries. In a social media post, Ricardo Monreal, leader of the lower house of congress, expressed hope that thorough investigations would ensure justice for Aguas.

This assassination comes amid a broader wave of violence in Mexico, which has seen hundreds of deaths due to intra-cartel conflict, particularly in Sinaloa state, and frequent gang battles over smuggling routes and other illicit activities. Politicians, particularly at the municipal level, have increasingly become targets. During the lead-up to last June’s general election, 30 candidates were killed, and many others dropped out or sought protection. Since the election, the violence has continued, with more than seven elected officials murdered.

The killings of a mayor and his deputy in Guerrero state in October sparked outrage and raised concerns over the security policies of President Sheinbaum’s administration. While local authorities have borne the brunt of political violence, attacks on federal congress members like Aguas remain relatively rare.

According to Data Cívica, a research organization, political violence in Mexico has been steadily rising, with 2024 marking the deadliest year since the group began its documentation in 2018. Local authorities, who often work closely with criminal groups to maintain control over territories and businesses, are the most vulnerable to such attacks, accounting for around 80% of all political violence. The recent murder of Aguas highlights the growing risks for politicians and officials in Mexico’s volatile political landscape.