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Man Arrested After Groping Mexico’s President During Public Walk in Capital

The filing of sexual harassment plus sexual abuse charges has intensified scrutiny of the president's pared-back protection.

Overview

  • The incident occurred during a walk in Mexico City’s historic center, where a man reached President Claudia Sheinbaum in a crowd.
  • Video shows the man putting an arm around her, attempting a kiss, then reaching toward her chest before an officer pushed him away.
  • Authorities detained the suspect, and the prosecutor accused him of sexual harassment plus sexual abuse as investigations continue.
  • The episode renewed criticism of security arrangements because Sheinbaum declines protection from the military unit assigned to guard the head of state, as did her predecessor.
  • Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada condemned the assault and reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on violence against women, a fraught issue in a country where nearly half of women report experiencing sexual violence and where Sheinbaum has prioritized women’s rights.