Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced plans to press charges against a man who groped her during a public event near the National Palace in Mexico City, according to a report by the BBC.
A viral video captured on a mobile phone shows the president addressing supporters on Tuesday when a man suddenly approached her from behind, kissed her on the neck, and groped her. She quickly pulled away as one of her aides intervened. Authorities have since arrested the suspect.
Speaking during a press conference, Sheinbaum explained that she filed formal charges not just for herself, but to stand up for all women across Mexico.
“If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” she said, adding that the same man had reportedly harassed other women in the crowd.
Women’s rights organizations across Mexico swiftly condemned the assault, calling it a painful reminder of the country’s deep-rooted culture of misogyny and the persistent threat of gender-based violence.
Mexico continues to grapple with a widespread femicide crisis, with human rights advocates estimating that up to 98% of such cases go unpunished.
Despite the alarming incident, President Sheinbaum affirmed her commitment to continue engaging directly with citizens, while stressing the importance of setting a clear precedent against any form of harassment or abuse.
The attack occurred just days after the murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, highlighting the security risks facing public officials in Mexico.
Since assuming office, Sheinbaum has made national security a top priority, focusing on combating organized crime, reducing gender violence, and curbing fentanyl trafficking—all while maintaining a close, hands-on connection with the public.