A shocking incident has reignited debate over presidential security in Mexico after President Claudia Sheinbaum was harassed and inappropriately touched by a man during a brief public walk in downtown Mexico City. The episode, caught on video, shows the president surrounded by a crowd of supporters as she stops to greet and take photos, when an unidentified man reaches toward her inappropriately.
Sheinbaum is seen swiftly moving the man's hands away while maintaining composure and continuing to greet others. A member of her security detail then steps between them to push the man back. Despite the violation, the president's demeanor remains calm and cordial, a moment that has drawn both sympathy and criticism across Mexico.
According to Mexican newspaper El Universal, the incident occurred as Sheinbaum left Palacio Nacional, the seat of government, to attend an event at the Secretaría de Educación Pública, located just a few blocks away in the capital's Historic Center. Videos shared on social media show the head of state walking among citizens with minimal visible protection, highlighting how exposed she was to physical contact in one of the city's busiest public areas.
Many observers were struck by the limited security presence around the president, especially in light of Mexico's recent wave of political violence. Just days earlier, the country was shaken by the assassination of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, who was shot dead during a Day of the Dead public ceremony in a region known for organized crime activity.
Esto es inaceptable. Aunque no esté de acuerdo con Claudia Sheinbaum @Claudiashein, no se puede tratar así a una mujer y menos a la presidente de México. Su equipo de seguridad falló totalmente. Que bueno que no paso a mayores.pic.twitter.com/5hRjLBLlOm
— Águila Imperial (@AmericaAquilae) November 4, 2025
Since the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico has operated without the Estado Mayor Presidencial, the elite security corps that traditionally protected presidents. López Obrador dissolved the unit in 2018, replacing it with a small, low-profile team of personal aides.
Sheinbaum, who succeeded him and represents the same ruling party, has continued that minimalist approach. She frequently travels on commercial flights and often interacts directly with citizens, saying she wants to remain accessible and close to the people.
However, the latest incident has prompted growing concern about whether such openness comes at too high a risk. While Sheinbaum has not commented publicly on the harassment, the video has reignited national discussion about women's safety, even at the highest levels of power, and whether Mexico's first female president is being adequately protected in public spaces.
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