Sheinbaum announces security support for Morelos after student murders

President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled a special security plan for Morelos following the fatal shooting of two teenage students at High School No. 2 of the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM) on Sunday morning, in the state capital of Cuernavaca. One student sustained injuries during the incident. Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum pledged to coordinate with Governor Margarita González Saravia to assess the support needed by the state.

Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez had already reached out to UAEM's head, Viridiana Aydeé León Hernández, to understand the university community's requirements. Since April 2025, seven UAEM-affiliated students have been murdered in Morelos, including Claudia Tacoronte, a Spanish exchange student, who was killed on September 12 in Cuautla after being robbed.

While intentional homicides in Morelos are decreasing according to data from the Public Security and Citizen Protection Ministry (SSPC), theft rates are increasing. Cuernavaca Mayor José Luis Urióstegui Salgado admitted that the municipal security strategy has failed, as patrols have become less noticeable, leading criminals to exploit the situation.

He called for intensified security efforts and instructed officials to prioritize ground support. Urióstegui warned that if no improvements are observed within two weeks, changes to security leadership might be implemented. He expressed deep regret over the ongoing violence, emphasizing that no one should suffer such losses.