Mexican president tells US top diplomat not to speculate after killing of 2 government officials

Mexico City

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday to refrain from speculation amid an investigation into the double murder of two Mexican officials.

"To everyone, including Marco Rubio, I ask you not to jump to conclusions. Investigations need to be carried out to determine the cause and motive behind this unfortunate and tragic homicide," Sheinbaum told reporters.

Ximena Munoz and Jose Guzman, two officials from the Mexico City government, were brutally murdered May 20 on a busy street in the heart of the city.

Both were part of Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada’s inner circle and were also close friends. The killings shocked the Mexican government, prompting federal and local security agencies to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators.

The investigation has so far resulted in seven arrests, with authorities narrowing the possible motives behind the attack.

Rubio commented on the murders, indicating that the US is willing to assist its southern neighbor.

“I heard last night that two more people were murdered in Mexico City, associated with the mayor of Mexico City,” Rubio said during a House of Representatives hearing.

“The political violence there is real. They have a vested interest and a desire to go after these cartels. We want to help equip them,” he said, apparently linking the killings to cartel violence.

Rubio also claimed that cartels have taken control of some areas of Mexico, echoing a long-standing US narrative that the country is struggling to contain drug trafficking organizations.