A man has been arrested after groping and attempting to kiss Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum during a public appearance, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred on Tuesday as President Sheinbaum walked from the National Palace toward the Ministry of Education in Mexico City and greeted on-lookers and supporters. A video of the encounter shows a man approaching her from behind, putting his arm around her shoulder, touching her hip and chest and leaning in for a kiss.
After the man attempted the assault, security intervened and detained him. Authorities later confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and is facing investigation under charges of harassment and sexual abuse.
During her Wednesday press briefing, President Sheinbaum said she filed formal charges and emphasized that the incident was not solely about her but about all women in Mexico who face similar harassment. “If they do this to the president, what will happen to the rest of the young women in our country?” she asked.
The episode has sparked broad discussion in Mexico about gender-based violence and public safety, particularly highlighting how even high-profile figures are vulnerable. Advocates criticized the apparent delay in response by the president’s security detail and called for stronger institutional mechanisms to protect women and sanction perpetrators.
Despite the incident, President Sheinbaum stated she does not plan to increase her personal security or reduce her public engagements. She reaffirmed her commitment to remaining accessible while pushing for reform of laws and procedures to make it easier for women to report harassment and for the justice system to act.
