Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has initiated legal proceedings against a man who allegedly harassed her during a public event in Mexico City, describing the incident as “an assault on all women.” The man was taken into custody at the Sex Crimes Investigation Unit after the confrontation, which occurred while Sheinbaum was greeting constituents in the Zócalo neighborhood. Viral footage captured the moment when the man allegedly groped her and attempted to kiss her, sparking outrage across social media.
Sheinbaum’s chief aide, Juan José Ramírez Mendoza, intervened during the incident, which has since reignited discussions about the pervasive issue of harassment and the safety of women in public life. Preliminary investigations by Mexico City police revealed that the arrested individual is also linked to the harassment of two other women on the same day.
Expressing her motivation to take legal action, Sheinbaum stated, “I decided to press charges because this is something I experienced as a woman — something all women in our country experience.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining personal boundaries, asserting that “no man has the right to violate that space.” This incident is not an isolated event; Sheinbaum has openly shared her experiences with harassment throughout her career, revealing that she was harassed at the age of 12 and during her time as a university student.
In light of this incident, questions about Sheinbaum’s security protocols have emerged, particularly following the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo at a public event. Sheinbaum and her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, opted against maintaining the Presidential Guard, which was disbanded in 2018, relying instead on a small team of aides for protection. Security analyst Raúl Benítez-Manaut commented on the potential vulnerability this decision has created.
Defending her approach to public engagement, Sheinbaum stated, “We can’t stay far from the people — that would deny who we are.” She reiterated the importance of staying connected with citizens while condemning the violation of personal space.
The Secretariat for Women, part of Sheinbaum’s administration, denounced the incident, emphasizing that public proximity does not excuse harassment. The ministry advocated for victims to report such incidents, highlighting the necessity of addressing and criminalizing these acts to foster cultural change in the country.
This incident highlights the broader challenges faced by women in public positions. The National Electoral Institute (INE) has documented 516 cases of violence against women in political roles from September 2020 to July 2025. Sheinbaum’s experience is viewed as a testament to the ongoing struggle against misogyny, as echoed by Mexico City’s mayor, who called attention to the importance of women’s representation in confronting these societal issues.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), a staggering 70.1% of Mexican women aged 15 and older have experienced some form of violence, with nearly half reporting sexual violence. In response to the recent events, Sheinbaum announced plans to collaborate with the Secretariat for Women to evaluate the criminalization of harassment across all Mexican states and to launch a national campaign against such behavior. “Harassment is a crime — and it’s time everyone in this country understands that,” she asserted, calling for a renewed commitment to respect for women in every facet of life.