Overview
- State prosecutors opened an investigation after videos showed Esmeralda Pizarro Mendívil and Blanca Arleth Marín Escárcega firing weapons during early January 1 celebrations.
- The clips, posted to WhatsApp, depict Pizarro using an FX-05 Xiuhcóatl rifle and Marín discharging a 9 mm semiautomatic pistol, models associated with the Mexican Armed Forces and federal security personnel.
- Authorities are gathering evidence and witness statements to establish the weapons’ provenance, authorization, and custody, with potential federal offenses at issue if unlawful possession or use is confirmed.
- Reports indicate the arms may belong to the mayor’s escorts; the municipality lies within the Triángulo Dorado, where strict control of military-grade equipment is a priority due to persistent criminal activity.
- Military sources cited by Reforma, via Noroeste, said a parallel review is underway to verify rifle markings linked to the Defense Ministry, while no formal charges have been announced.