A car bombing in Michoacán state,Mexico,left six people dead this weekend and has sparked debate over how the government defines and classifies acts of violence.The Attorney General’s Office initially labeled the Saturday attack as “terrorism” before quickly revising the designation to “organized crime,” raising questions about the criteria used for such classifications. President Claudia Sheinbaum is now requesting clarification from the Attorney General’s office regarding the shifting labels as investigations continue, and amid already heightened security concerns in the region.
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has called on the Attorney General’s Office to explain its initial classification of a car bombing in Michoacán state as an act of “terrorism.” The incident, which left six people dead, is now being investigated as organized crime, prompting questions about the government’s response and the criteria for defining terrorism within the country.
Sheinbaum addressed the issue Saturday, responding to questions about the shifting designation during her daily press conference. “It was the prosecutor’s office, the prosecutor’s office has to explain it too,” she stated.
The Attorney General’s Office, led by Ernestina Godoy, initially labeled the attack – which occurred Saturday – as “an act of terrorism.” However, the office subsequently reclassified the case Sunday to focus on “organized crime.”
Sheinbaum indicated that the security cabinet would address the matter during Tuesday’s presidential press conference. “Tomorrow they can explain it, explain how a terrorist crime is classified in Mexico or organized crime. And also know exactly what happened,” she said.
According to Sheinbaum, investigators are currently reviewing security camera footage and utilizing forensic services as part of the ongoing investigation. “I hope that tomorrow there will be more information for everyone to know,” she added.
The president emphasized that accurately classifying the crime requires a thorough understanding of the motive, the method of the explosion, and the identities of those responsible. “Based on the investigation, also categorize the crime so that everyone knows exactly what happened… The prosecutor’s office has to do its part in the investigation.”
When asked whether the incident would lead to increased security measures in the state – which was already under heightened alert following the murder of the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo – Sheinbaum stated that the priority remains strengthening intelligence and investigative capabilities.
“A crime of this type evidently has to be investigated: how it happened, who caused it, how they arrived at the place where they arrived. For that it is important to reinforce the investigation.”
Sheinbaum noted that intelligence gathering efforts have been increased nationwide, and particularly in Michoacán, since the beginning of her administration. “From there come the responsibilities and take the measures to pacify, as we have been doing.”
