More than 100 police officers were injured on Saturday during a violent anti-government protest in Mexico City's Zocalo Square, where thousands of protesters breached the National Palace's security barrier. The protesters, many of whom were Gen Z activists, were reportedly targeting corruption and safety concerns.
As clashes between police and protesters escalated, rioters used hammers, chains, and explosives to attack officers, forcing them to retreat. The Secretariat of Citizen Security reported that at least 60 officers sustained minor injuries, while 40 others were hospitalized with more serious wounds, including four who required specialized care for non-life-threatening trauma.
The protest was organized by younger generations and aimed to address the country's growing insecurity crisis, which has been fueled by rising crime rates. Demonstrators cited corruption and government inaction as major concerns, highlighting the need for increased security measures and funding for public health systems.
One protester, 43-year-old physician Arizbeth Garcia, stated that doctors are also vulnerable to the ongoing violence and insecurity. "They [doctors] are exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens," she said.
The protests also appeared to be linked to a recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, an anti-crime activist who was targeted by cartels. His death has raised concerns about government inaction against organized crime, which is seen as a major challenge for President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration.
Critics argue that the Mexican president has not done enough to tackle the issue of cartels and has instead been accused of tolerating their activities. The situation has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, with some experts suggesting that Mexico's stance on U.S. military assistance is a major point of contention between the two countries.
As clashes between police and protesters escalated, rioters used hammers, chains, and explosives to attack officers, forcing them to retreat. The Secretariat of Citizen Security reported that at least 60 officers sustained minor injuries, while 40 others were hospitalized with more serious wounds, including four who required specialized care for non-life-threatening trauma.
The protest was organized by younger generations and aimed to address the country's growing insecurity crisis, which has been fueled by rising crime rates. Demonstrators cited corruption and government inaction as major concerns, highlighting the need for increased security measures and funding for public health systems.
One protester, 43-year-old physician Arizbeth Garcia, stated that doctors are also vulnerable to the ongoing violence and insecurity. "They [doctors] are exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens," she said.
The protests also appeared to be linked to a recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, an anti-crime activist who was targeted by cartels. His death has raised concerns about government inaction against organized crime, which is seen as a major challenge for President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration.
Critics argue that the Mexican president has not done enough to tackle the issue of cartels and has instead been accused of tolerating their activities. The situation has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, with some experts suggesting that Mexico's stance on U.S. military assistance is a major point of contention between the two countries.
This protest in Mexico City sounds like it could've gone in so many different ways, but I gotta say, I'm worried about those police officers who got hurt. Like, they're just trying to do their job and keep everyone safe, right? 
It's crazy that some people would resort to violence and attacks on law enforcement. And the fact that doctors are speaking out about being targeted because of the country's insecurity crisis is really concerning 
. I wish we could all come together to find solutions to these problems instead of taking it out on each other. We need more transparency and accountability from our leaders, especially when it comes to tackling corruption and organized crime 
.
this is so concerning 
the corruption and safety concerns are huge and it's like they're just swept under the rug 
i feel bad for all those protesters who are fighting for change but their methods can be super violent too 
what do u think is gonna happen to this country? 
rioters were armed with hammers chains & explosives lol how can anyone do this to innocent officers? 
and yeah this is linked to that assassination of mayor carlos manzo 
i feel for the doc who spoke out, she's right our docs deserve better 
. Seriously though, can't these protesters see that their actions are only going to lead to more violence and harm for innocent people? It's like they think the government is just going to magically solve all their problems overnight 
. Newsflash: it doesn't work that way.
. and these young Gen Z activists think they can just waltz into the National Palace and breach security? 
what are they thinking?
. I mean, who needs more security measures when you've got cartels running amok? 
it's like they're just playing a game of chicken with organized crime.
. I don't think it's fair to say the president has been tolerating cartel activities, but at the same time, she does need to do more to address the issue 
100+ cops injured? That's a lot! And those protesters using hammers and explosives? Like, come on guys... can't we find a more peaceful way to address our issues?
it was so violent with police officers gettin hurt and stuff 
it's like the gov ain't doin enough to help people so now docs are gettin hurt too 
And it's not just the physical violence, but also the emotional toll - I mean, who wants to be a doctor in a country where you're basically putting your life on the line every day? 
It's like, what's going on with this government and their inability to tackle organized crime? 
. This whole thing is giving me major anxiety 
. It just sounds like a Band-Aid solution to me. Are they not taking into account the fact that Mexico is trying to establish its own identity and not be seen as a puppet state? 
It's all about how you're going to address these issues, folks - it's not just about throwing money at the problem or asking for more help from your friends in the U.S. 
, Mexico protests are getting wild 
That's crazy 
. I feel them on the corruption and safety concerns - it's time for real change 
. But, like, what's going on with the cartels? 
? It's all so... messed up 
. But, like, we also gotta talk about the doctors 
. It's wild that they're also dealing with this crazy insecurity stuff 
. And now we got Mexico's president getting roasted for not doing enough about cartels 
That's some serious stuff. I'm sure President Sheinbaum is dealing with a lot, but it's not okay that cartels are getting away with murder. It feels like the government needs to step up and do something about it. 
Arizbeth Garcia's statement about doctors being vulnerable is so true sadly. we need to see more action from the government on cartels & organized crime, not just empty promises 
. The fact that doctors are being targeted too is just devastating. We need to come together as a society to find solutions that benefit everyone 
. I don't know what to say, it's like they're just caught in the middle of all this chaos. As a parent, you want your kids to be safe and secure, but it sounds like that's not possible right now.
. it's also sad that uruapan mayor was assassinated he was fightin against cartels which is like super serious business 
. mex gov gotta do somethin about this, not just sit back & let the violence escalate