Attack on Cuautla City Hall secretary investigated; attacker's vehicle identified

MEXICO CITY (apro) – Security and law enforcement authorities in Morelos confirmed that the vehicle used to carry out the armed attack against Alfredo Escalona Arias, secretary of the Cuautla City Council, has been identified. The official was not accompanied by bodyguards, and the municipality neglected his security, reported Miguel Ángel Urrutia Lozano, the state's Secretary of Public Security.

"We have already identified the offending vehicle. A special group was deployed yesterday, and we will continue the investigation in support of the Prosecutor's Office," said Urrutia Lozano, who explained that the operation included the immediate mobilization of specialized personnel to secure the area and gather evidence.

When asked about the possible motive for the attack, the official declined to jump to conclusions: "I think there's too little time to draw one. It would be irresponsible of me to make a statement like that. We must remember that the Cuautla City Council has been in a lot of turmoil."

Regarding the situation of the assaulted secretary, the official emphasized: "The City Council secretary, who was assaulted yesterday, had been in office for 40 days. I had contact with him at the Disarmament Fair, and I discussed issues with him. He is, in my opinion, an honorable person, and we will continue working."

Urrutia Lozano confirmed that Escalona Arias did not have personal protection or bodyguards, despite the nature of his position. “He wasn't threatened, so I also believe there was a lack of attention because, given his position, I believe he should have had some type of security, and he didn't have it. That will also continue to come to light,” he said.

When asked whether the secretary should have hired his own security or whether the municipality should have assigned him protection, the secretary responded: "I believe no municipal official should hire their own security. Given the level of responsibility in each municipality, officials who play a key role within their functions must be supported."

He reiterated that, to date, no protective measures had been requested for the assaulted official: "No, that's why I repeat, he didn't have security, there were no threats. He had been in office for 40 days, and so I believe there was a lack of attention on the part of the municipality."

Regarding the incidence of crime in the region, Urrutia Lozano noted that "extortion is most prevalent in the eastern region, an area where extortion is frequently committed. Extortion has been reported to the High Impact Prosecutor's Office."

For his part, the state attorney general, Édgar Maldonado, confirmed that the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) has launched a formal investigation following the attack. "From the very beginning, ministerial and forensic personnel arrived at the site to secure the scene and gather the necessary evidence," he said.

Maldonado explained that, out of respect for the family and the official's situation, the FGE will act cautiously in releasing details. "The interviews will be collected at the appropriate time," he stated, adding that so far no formal complaint had been filed by the City Council, nor was there any knowledge of prior threats. "Since the day of the event, we have had no contact with City Council personnel. Whenever you want to

Provisional manager appointed at the Municipal Secretariat

While the investigation progresses and Escalona Arias continues to recover, Mayor Jesús Corona Damián has provisionally appointed Horacio Zavaleta as municipal secretary. He will assume responsibility for coordinating the local government's administrative and operational tasks.

Zavaleta had been serving as Chief Officer, a position in which he demonstrated efficiency in internal management and knowledge of institutional processes. During the formal ceremony, the mayor presented him with the appointment and recognized his career. In response, Zavaleta expressed his gratitude for the trust and expressed his willingness to continue working responsibly and closely with the public.

With this measure, the Cuautla City Council seeks to ensure continuity in administration and strengthen care for the municipality's residents.