Political violence in Paraíso, Tabasco

Political instability in Paraíso, Tabasco, has escalated following an armed attack on the residence of interim mayor María Elisa Hernández Flores. In the early hours of a Tuesday, two individuals on a motorcycle fired multiple shots at her home in Ejido Oriente San Cayetano. While no injuries were reported, authorities recovered at least three spent shell casings at the scene.

Hernández Flores, a former councilwoman, assumed her role following the departure of former mayor Alfonso Baca Sevilla, who is a fugitive under investigation by the Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) for crimes including torture, illegal possession of firearms, drug possession, and fuel theft. Reports indicate that during Sevilla’s administration, approximately 91% of public works contracts were awarded through direct adjudication rather than open bidding.

The interim mayor stated she has faced threats and intimidation since taking office but has refused to resign, vowing to proceed legally. Following the attack, she filed a formal complaint and is working with state authorities to establish security measures. Tabasco's Secretary of Government, José Ramiro ‘Pepín’ López Obrador, downplayed the incident, stating that the gunfire should not be classified as an assassination attempt. The attack follows an FGR operation that resulted in the detention of several municipal officials, including directors of Public Works and Administration.