Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Faces Harassment in Public

A shocking incident in Mexico City has sparked a nationwide debate on women’s safety after President Claudia Sheinbaum was harassed by an intoxicated man during a public interaction. The President was attending an event and meeting citizens on Tuesday when a man approached her from behind and attempted to forcibly touch and kiss her.

A viral video shows Sheinbaum quickly stepping back, removing the man’s hand, and calmly saying, “Don’t worry.” Within seconds, her security personnel intervened and removed the man from the crowd.

Police Arrest the Accused

Authorities confirmed that the man has been arrested and is under investigation. Police sources later revealed that the suspect had previously been accused of harassing two other women. He is currently in custody under the Sex Crimes Unit for further questioning.

Sheinbaum Condemns the Incident

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, President Sheinbaum said this was the first time such an incident had happened to her but made it clear that she would take legal action against the perpetrator.

“This is not just about me,” she said. “It happens to women across our country every day. If it can happen to the President, what does that say about the safety of other women?”

Calling the act an “attack on all women,” Sheinbaum emphasized that her legal response aims to send a message — “No man has the right to touch or grab a woman without her consent.”

Wider Security Concerns in Mexico

This troubling event comes amid rising concerns over public safety and political violence in Mexico. Just days earlier, Uruapan city’s mayor, Carlos Manzo, was shot dead. Over the past few months, more than ten local politicians have been assassinated across the country.

Experts warn that Sheinbaum, who recently became Mexico’s first female president, faces similar risks. Despite heightened concern, she has refused to increase her security, choosing instead to remain close to the public — a practice carried over from her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Sheinbaum Stands Firm

Responding to questions about her security, the President said, “We cannot distance ourselves from the people. Doing so would mean denying who we are.”

Her response has been widely praised for its composure and resolve, even as the incident highlights Mexico’s ongoing struggles with gender-based violence and the need for stronger protections for women.