Authorities in Mexico reported on Wednesday that gunmen attacked a municipal councilwoman and her family in Tecate, a city located along the U.S. border. Maria de Jesus Quijada, a local official with the ruling party, and her 15-year-old daughter sustained injuries during the shooting. Quijada's husband died at the scene.
The attack occurred Tuesday afternoon while the family was traveling in a vehicle. Local media reports indicated the family was en route to a school graduation ceremony at the time of the shooting. Quijada and her daughter were transported to a hospital in the United States for medical treatment. Family members later stated that both survivors are considered to be out of danger.
Mexico's security secretariat announced that they are coordinating with local authorities to investigate the incident. Investigators discovered a burnt-out vehicle less than two miles from the site of the attack, which matches the description of the car used by the perpetrators. No suspects have been apprehended, and a motive for the shooting has not been identified.
Violence against local political figures remains a security concern in Mexico. According to government-linked media reports, 13 mayors have been killed in the country since the current administration took office in October 2024. President Claudia Sheinbaum has defended her administration's security policies, citing a general reduction in certain crime statistics since her term began.