Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Presses Charges After Street Assault
On November 5 in Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she had filed a complaint against a man who groped her and attempted to kiss her while she was walking between meetings. The incident took place a day earlier, and a video showing the assault spread widely online before being deleted by some accounts.
"If this happens to the president, where does that leave all the young women in our country," said Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president. "No man has the right to abuse women's personal space."
The viral footage sparked renewed debate about the pervasive insecurity women face in Mexico, where gender-based violence remains deeply rooted in the culture of machismo. Many citizens also questioned the adequacy of Sheinbaum’s security, as she often travels with minimal protection to maintain close contact with the public.
The attack occurred on November 4 in the historic center of the capital as Sheinbaum greeted residents along her short route from the National Palace to the Ministry of Education. The video captures a middle-aged man wrapping his arm around her, touching her chest, and trying to kiss her. She promptly pushed him away before a staff member intervened. Her security team was not immediately visible during the episode.
"We have to be close to the people," Sheinbaum stated, emphasizing that she does not intend to change her public engagement style despite the incident.
Author’s Summary
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s response to an assault during a public event reignited discussion on women’s safety and the balance between accessibility and security in Mexico’s political life.