Mexico, 42-year-old lawmaker found dead in his vehicle

Local authorities in the Mexican state of Veracruz have announced that a member of the federal Congress was found dead with a gunshot wound.

The victim was 42-year-old Zeniazen Escobar. His body was discovered in the driver’s seat inside a car parked by the side of the road. A firearm was also found near him.

Ricardo Auet, Veracruz’s interior minister, confirmed that the lawmaker had died as a result of a gunshot, while clarifying that no further details could be made public at this stage.

“The death was caused by a gunshot; we cannot provide more details at this stage,” Auet said. He did not specify whether the case was being investigated as a homicide or a suicide.

Escobar had extensive experience in public administration. Before entering politics, he had worked as a teacher, led a union and served as education minister in Veracruz from 2018 to 2021.

His term as a member of Mexico’s federal Congress began after he was elected in September 2024.

Veracruz is considered one of Mexico’s most violent states. For years, the activities of criminal groups linked to drug trafficking have led to a large number of violent incidents in the area.

Investigations are continuing to fully clarify the circumstances surrounding the lawmaker’s death.