On Tuesday, a drunken man broke through a crowd greeting Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City and assaulted her by putting his arm around her shoulder, touching her hip and chest, and attempting to kiss her. Sheinbaum has decided to press charges against the man, calling the act “an assault on all women.”
The man, intoxicated at the time, managed to approach Sheinbaum closely during the event. Despite the harrowing nature of the attack, Sheinbaum appeared confused and even agreed to take a photograph with the man. She later realized the full extent of the harassment after reviewing video footage.
“This person approached, completely intoxicated… it wasn’t until I saw the videos later that I realised what had really happened,” Sheinbaum said.
Juan José Ramírez Mendoza, one of Sheinbaum’s senior aides, intervened to stop the man.
The suspect was arrested overnight and is currently held by the Sex Crimes Investigation Unit. He has been formally charged with harassment, which includes unwanted touching and disrespectful behavior.
The incident has ignited widespread outrage on social media and intensified discussions about harassment and the security of women in public roles. It also highlighted Mexico’s ongoing challenges with ensuring women’s safety.
The President’s office confirmed the charges reflect the seriousness of the offense under laws protecting women from inappropriate conduct in public.
This episode has put a spotlight on the persistent dangers faced by women in Mexico, sparking national debate about public safety and harassment prevention.
Summary: President Claudia Sheinbaum is pursuing legal action after a drunken man harassed her publicly, underscoring Mexico's ongoing challenges with women's safety and harassment in public life.