Mexico President Sheinbaum Attacked, Urges Nationwide Harassment Law

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has sparked renewed debate on women’s safety after being attacked on the streets of Mexico City, calling for sexual harassment to be criminalized nationwide. The incident has drawn attention to the risks women face daily in Latin America’s second-largest economy.

The 63-year-old leader was greeting supporters near the presidential palace when a drunken man approached, put an arm around her shoulder, groped her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck. Presidential security intervened immediately, restraining the attacker, who was later arrested and charged with harassment.

“This person approached, completely intoxicated… it wasn’t until I saw the videos later that I realized what had really happened,” Sheinbaum said during a press conference on Wednesday. She emphasized that the attack highlighted the urgent need to review nationwide legislation on sexual harassment.

Currently, Mexico City and roughly 20 states define sexual harassment as a punishable crime, but not all 32 states have laws making harassment criminal. Sheinbaum stressed, “If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the women in our country?”

The attack underlined Mexico’s ongoing crisis of violence against women. According to United Nations data, about 70 percent of Mexican women aged 15 and older experience sexual harassment at least once in their lives, and an average of 10 women are murdered daily. Feminist groups said that incidents like the president’s are symbolic of the daily threats Mexican women face.

Sheinbaum, who has faced similar harassment in her youth, confirmed she filed a complaint and plans to campaign for stronger protections across the nation. Human rights activists welcomed her initiative, calling for the harmonization of laws to ensure that sexual harassment is recognized as a criminal offense throughout Mexico.

Security experts, however, raised concerns about the president’s safety. Analysts warned that Sheinbaum’s strategy of engaging closely with the public exposes her to risk, especially given the prevalence of cartel violence. Despite this, she has ruled out enhancing her security measures, stating, “We need to be close to the people.”

The incident has reignited national discussions about gender-based violence, legal reforms, and public safety measures for all Mexican women.