Mexican lawmaker receives death threats after funeral wreath left at her home

A local lawmaker in Mexico has received threats after a funeral wreath appeared outside her home. Paola Gárate Valenzuela, a former state PRI committee president, discovered the wreath with a ribbon addressed to her family. The incident has raised concerns about her safety despite recent security arrangements. The wreath was found at the entrance of Gárate Valenzuela’s private residence in the Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood. It bore a ribbon with the message 'Fam. Gárate'. She immediately reported the incident to emergency services, leading to the arrival of state police and military personnel.

Authorities quickly cordoned off the area to allow forensic experts to collect evidence and testimony. Interim Governor Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde had previously announced that federal authorities had assigned protection to Gárate Valenzuela. However, the lawmaker clarified that she does not have round-the-clock security.

National Guard officials later contacted her to outline the security measures. These would only apply to official travel or high-risk situations, not continuous protection. Gárate Valenzuela criticised claims that she now enjoys full security, stating the measures fall short of addressing her concerns. The incident remains under investigation by forensic teams. Gárate Valenzuela continues to voice dissatisfaction with the limited security provided. The proposed measures do not include 24-hour protection, leaving gaps in her safety arrangements.