Man arrested for groping Mexico’s president during public event

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has vowed to press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance.

The incident, captured on mobile phone video on Tuesday, shows Sheinbaum talking to supporters near the National Palace in Mexico City when a man suddenly approached from behind, trying to kiss her neck and touch her inappropriately.

Sheinbaum quickly pulled away as one of her aides intervened. The man was later arrested.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the president said she would pursue legal action to set an example and protect women in Mexico.
“My view is, if I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they can do this to the president, what happens to ordinary women?” she said.

Sheinbaum revealed that she had faced similar harassment before becoming president and added that the suspect allegedly harassed other women in the crowd. “A line must be drawn,” she stressed.

Women’s rights advocates condemned the act, saying it reflects deep-rooted machismo in Mexican society, where some men feel entitled to violate women—even the country’s president.

Mexico continues to struggle with high levels of gender-based violence, as about 98% of femicide cases reportedly go unpunished. Although Sheinbaum pledged to tackle the issue during her campaign, progress has been limited so far.

The incident has also reignited debate over presidential security. Like her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum prefers to interact closely with citizens, despite potential safety risks. She affirmed she would not change that approach.

The assault occurred just days after the murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in the violent state of Michoacán, during Day of the Dead celebrations. Manzo had recently appealed for greater federal help in the fight against drug cartels.

Sheinbaum has made strides in improving national security since taking office, including intensifying the crackdown on fentanyl trafficking, a priority issue for the U.S. government under President Trump.