Mexican authorities are investigating the killing of Joel Bravo Martínez, the mayor of San Miguel Amatitlan in Oaxaca, who was shot on Saturday in an apparent case of political violence. The incident occurred shortly after Bravo Martínez publicly expressed concerns for his safety and requested state government protection, according to a statement from his political party, the National Action Party (PAN).

The Oaxaca state prosecutor’s office said it activated protocols for investigating severe crimes immediately upon learning of the mayor’s death. The Federal Security Cabinet announced it is collaborating with state officials to identify and detain those responsible, dispatching additional security forces to the region. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the Cabinet emphasized that there would be no impunity for the crime.

Violence against local politicians has been an ongoing challenge in Mexico, where officials frequently face threats and attacks from political rivals and organized crime groups. The killing of Bravo Martínez adds to a troubling pattern underscored in November by the murder of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, who was known for opposing criminal organizations.

The incident comes as Mexico co-hosts the ongoing FIFA World Cup with the United States and Canada, a high-profile event during which the government aims to project an image of security and stability. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has reassured visitors that extensive security measures are in place, including specialized training for officials, coordinated operational exercises, early warning systems, and heightened protection around key venues such as stadiums, airports, roads, and hotels.

However, political opposition leaders have criticized the government’s handling of violence against local officials. Alejandro Moreno, president of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which governed Mexico for much of the 20th century, condemned the ongoing threats and killings. In a message also posted on X, Moreno described the assassination of mayors as direct assaults on democratic institutions and the right of communities to live peacefully.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of Bravo Martínez as security forces increase their presence in Oaxaca. The killing has reignited concerns about the risks faced by public officials in regions affected by organized crime and underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring political and public safety in Mexico’s local governments.