Minister of Public Security Target of Criminal Attack

Omar García Harfuch, Minister of Public Security of Mexico City, suffered an attack on Friday around 6:38 a.m., reported the head of the capital's government, Claudia Sheinbaum. "He is out of danger and is being treated at a hospital. Unfortunately, two elements of the security team lost their lives, as well as a woman who was driving in the area," she said at a press conference.

“I recognize the courage with which the security elements carry out their duty every day. They have a great leader, honest, prepared and in charge of an increasingly professional police. The police have their orders and are working to guarantee national security. The attack shows that a very good job is being done to guarantee the safety of the city,” Sheinbaum said.

Later, through his Twitter account, Harfuch attributed the attack to the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG).

"This morning we were cowardly attacked by the CJNG, two colleagues and friends of mine lost my life, I have three bullet wounds and several shards. Our Nation must continue to confront the cowardly organized crime. We will continue working ”. 

Esta mañana fuimos cobardemente atacados por el CJNG, dos compañeros y amigos míos perdieron la vida, tengo tres impactos de bala y varias esquirlas. Nuestra Nación tiene que continuar haciéndole frente a la cobarde delincuencia organizada. Continuaremos trabajando.

— Omar Garcia Harfuch (@OHarfuch) June 26, 2020

Mexico City’s Attorney General, meanwhile, tweeted that the administration is carrying out the corresponding proceedings in this case.

En la @FiscaliaCDMX estamos investigando el atentado al secretario de @SSC_CDMX para ubicar a los responsables materiales e intelectuales y llevarlos ante la justicia. Tenemos 12 detenidos. @OHarfuch pronta recuperación! Seguiremos trabajando juntos por la seguridad y la justicia

— Ernestina Godoy Ramos (@ErnestinaGodoy_) June 26, 2020

The ex-commissioner of the federal police Manelich Castilla Craviotto said that the attack represents a watershed in the country and called on citizens to join and support security authorities.

"(The attack) is a watershed for the country. We need support for security forces. It is time to raise our voices because if we do not support the work being done, crime will continue to feel that it can continue occupying a space in public life,” Manelich said in an interview for W Radio this morning. “This should move us profoundly; we must support police work. We cannot get used to this; it is time to unite and support the good work, to recognize that there are people willing to give their lives for this cause. Giving up justice in Mexico is the last option," he added.