Key Takeaways
- Masked rioters clashed with police outside Mexico’s National Palace during a ‘Generation Z’ protest.
- Violence erupted after a peaceful march, leading to tear gas deployment and arrests.
- President Sheinbaum condemned the violence while alleging social media manipulation by opposition groups.
Masked rioters clashed violently with police outside Mexico’s presidential palace during Saturday’s ‘Generation Z’ anti-government protest. The confrontation turned the massive demonstration into scenes of chaos near President Claudia Sheinbaum’s office.
Thousands of young demonstrators had marched peacefully from the Angel of Independence monument to Constitution Square. However, a group identified by local media as Black Bloc activists broke through security barriers, hurling stones and engaging in physical fights with officers.
Violent Confrontation Captured on Video
Disturbing videos from the scene showed protesters assaulting officers while police responded by kicking a protester who was lying on the ground. The skirmishes continued for approximately one hour before security forces used tear gas to clear the square, according to La Jornada newspaper.
The activists stated they were protesting against corruption, abuse of power, and impunity for violent crime. Many chanted slogans targeting the ruling left-wing Morena party.
President’s Response and Allegations
President Sheinbaum strongly condemned the violence, stating: “If people disagree, they should express their views through peaceful demonstration. Violence must never be used as a means of achieving change.”
The president had previously claimed these protests were driven by “bots and fake accounts on social media” coordinated by what she described as “right-wing groups.”
