The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, reported at a press conference with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, that the attack against the Citizen Movement (MC) deputies in Culiacán, Sinaloa, was perpetrated by a criminal cell linked to “Los Chapitos,” an associate of the Sinaloa Cartel.
“We have made progress; we are working on the investigation. It was a cell of ‘Los Chapitos.’ We will release more information soon. There is a story at the hospital,” García Harfuch stated regarding the murder of Elizabeth Rafaela Montoya Ojeda and Sergio Torres Félix, the latter being a leader of the party in Sinaloa.
The security official assured that the Security Cabinet is overseeing the ongoing investigations and is working in coordination with local and federal authorities to clarify the events of Wednesday, January 28, when the legislators were traveling to the Culiacán Airport, and to present results shortly.
He also emphasized that the attacks are part of the violent actions of criminal groups operating in the region, while reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to combating organized crime.
Elizabeth Rafaela Montoya Ojeda and Sergio Torres Félix, both members of the Citizens’ Movement (MC) party, were attacked with firearms in Culiacán, Sinaloa, on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 28, while traveling on Niño Héroes Boulevard, also known as the Malecón Viejo.
The attack occurred after the legislators were leaving the state Congress building, having participated in the appearance of the State Secretary of Administration and Finance.
The MC members were on their way to their offices at the Culiacán Airport when they were intercepted by a group of armed civilians who opened fire indiscriminately.
The state of Sinaloa has been experiencing a profound crisis of violence since late 2014 due to an internal power struggle between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, which the United States designated as a terrorist organization last year.
Jorge Álvarez Máynez, national leader of the MC party, reported that Representatives Torres Félix and Montoya Ojeda, who were shot Wednesday afternoon in Culiacán, are in the hospital in serious but stable condition.
“Both are hospitalized in serious condition. Their families and doctors are in charge of their lives. […] We have been informed that both have undergone surgical procedures. In Sergio Torres’ case, the surgery was successful, and he is currently in a delicate but stable condition. As you know, when head injuries occur, the brain requires 48 hours to make a diagnosis, allowing time for the swelling to subside so the doctors can be certain of his condition. We are grateful that he is alive and fighting this battle.
“In the case of our colleague Elizabeth Montoya, she has been conscious and has already been walking. She also underwent major surgery, lost an eye, and has some brain injuries. She is receiving treatment, but she is out of danger, despite the delicate nature of these injuries.”
Source: vanguardia
