Mexico's President Sheinbaum to File Charges Following Street Harassment Incident

Thu Nov 06 2025 15:55:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's president, announces her intention to press charges after experiencing groping during a public appearance. The incident raises alarm over gender-based violence and security for political figures.

In a shocking incident, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico was groped on the street during an event, prompting her to announce plans to file charges against the assailant. The president expressed concern for the implications of such harassment on women's safety in the country. This occurrence highlights the pervasive machismo culture and the issues surrounding gender violence in Mexico, where 98% of femicides remain unpunished. Sheinbaum, who has faced criticism over her administration's handling of security issues, reiterated her commitment to maintaining close contact with citizens despite the risk to her safety.

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced her decision to press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance in Mexico City. The incident occurred while she was speaking to supporters near the National Palace, where mobile footage captured a man approaching from behind, attempting to kiss her neck and place his hands on her body. She quickly moved away, and a team member intervened, although Sheinbaum appeared visibly shaken, prompting the arrest of the offender.

Speaking at a news conference, Sheinbaum stated, If I don't file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? She emphasized that such behaviors reflect a broader issue faced by women across Mexico and recounted her past experiences with similar harassment before her presidency.

The president stressed the need for accountability, as the individual involved had allegedly harassed other women during the incident. She remarked that a firm line must be drawn against such acts of misogyny and reiterated her commitment to combatting sexual violence, an issue that has long plagued Mexico, where an estimated 98% of gender-based murders go unpunished.

Sheinbaum's administration has promised to address the pervasive issue of femicide, although critics argue there has been little progress in improving women's safety since she took office. The president has maintained a close connection to her supporters, following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, but this incident casts a shadow on the security dynamics surrounding public engagements for political figures.

This situation unfolds in a climate of heightened concerns for the safety of politicians in Mexico, particularly after the recent murder of Uruapan's mayor, Carlos Manzo, amid ongoing violence linked to drug cartels. Sheinbaum has made strides in addressing security issues, particularly related to drug trafficking, yet the broader societal challenges of gender-based violence remain critical areas of concern.