Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she will file charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance in Mexico City. Mobile phone footage from Tuesday shows Sheinbaum speaking to supporters near the National Palace when a man approached her from behind, attempting to kiss her on the neck and touch her inappropriately. Sheinbaum quickly moved away as a member of her security team intervened. The man was later arrested. “If I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” Shein

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she will file charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance in Mexico City. Mobile phone footage from Tuesday shows Sheinbaum speaking to supporters near the National Palace when a man approached her from behind, attempting to kiss her on the neck and touch her inappropriately. Sheinbaum quickly moved away as a member of her security team intervened. The man was later arrested. “If I don’t file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” Sheinbaum said at a news conference on Wednesday. Sheinbaum said she decided to pursue legal action not only because of her own experience but also because the suspect had allegedly harassed other women in the crowd. “A line must be drawn,” she said. Women’s rights groups have condemned the incident, calling it another example of entrenched machismo in Mexican society where even the country’s highest office does not shield women from harassment. Mexico continues to face a high rate of gender-based violence. Femicide remains widespread, with an estimated 98% of such crimes going unpunished. Sheinbaum, who campaigned on promises to combat gender violence, has faced criticism from activists for a lack of visible progress since taking office. The assault also reignited debate about the security of public officials. Sheinbaum has continued the open, street-level approach of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, frequently mingling with supporters despite security risks. She confirmed on Wednesday that she has no plans to change that policy. The incident occurred just days after the killing of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan in the violent state of Michoacán, during Day of the Dead celebrations. Manzo had recently urged Sheinbaum to provide greater federal support against drug cartels. Last year’s general election was Mexico’s deadliest in modern history, with around 35 political candidates murdered. Since taking office, Sheinbaum has vowed to strengthen security and curb fentanyl trafficking  a key issue in relations with the United States and President Donald Trump.

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