Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Gisela Mota: Mexican mayor shot dead within hours of taking office

She was attacked by four gunmen, police shot two and arrested the others

Kate Ng
Sunday 03 January 2016 08:24 EST
Comments
Gisela Mota waves during her swearing in ceremony as mayor of Temixco, Morelos State, Mexico
Gisela Mota waves during her swearing in ceremony as mayor of Temixco, Morelos State, Mexico (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Mexican mayor has been shot dead less than a day after formally taking office, officials said.

Gisela Mota, 33, was attacked by four gunmen at her home in the city of Temixco on Saturday. The attack was confirmed in a tweet by Morelos state governor, Graco Ramirez.

Mr Ramirez tweeted: “I have been informed of an attack on the mayor of Temixco Gisela Mota, young and beloved companion.”

Ms Mota formally took office on Friday, the first day of the new year. Morelos security commissioner Jesus Alberto Capella said the suspects fired on federal police and soldiers from a vehicle.

According to reports, officials say two of the assailants were shot and killed, while the others have been detained.

The motive for the killing is unclear, but reports have attributed it to drug cartels or gangs.

Several mayors were killed by armed gangs last year in Mexico, where cartels seek to control communities and towns.

Ms Mota belonged to the leftist Democratic Revolution Party and had been a federal congresswoman.

Her party released a statement describing her as a “strong and brave woman who on taking office as mayor, declared that her fight against crime would be frontal and direct”.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press and Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in