Mexican President Sheinbaum Files Sexual Harassment Charges After Being Groped During Public Walk: 'Women Must Be Respected'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she filed sexual harassment charges after being groped during a public walk, noting that the aggressor, a drunken man, is still under detention.

Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference that she didn't notice the magnitude of the situation at first, but then saw the video in which the man gropes her while she was greeting people.

Sheinbaum is seen swiftly moving the man's hands away while maintaining composure and continuing to greet others. A member of her security detail then steps between them to push the man back.

The incident also reignited debate over presidential security in Mexico. Videos shared on social media show the head of state walking among citizens with minimal visible protection, highlighting how exposed she was to physical contact in one of the city's busiest public areas.

Many observers were struck by the limited security presence around the president, especially in light of Mexico's recent wave of political violence. Just days earlier, the country was shaken by the assassination of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, who was shot dead during a Day of the Dead public ceremony in a region known for organized crime activity.

Since the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico has operated without the Estado Mayor Presidencial, the elite security corps that traditionally protected presidents. López Obrador dissolved the unit in 2018, replacing it with a small, low-profile team of personal aides.

Sheinbaum, who succeeded him and represents the same ruling party, has continued that minimalist approach. She frequently travels on commercial flights and often interacts directly with citizens, saying she wants to remain accessible and close to the people.