On January 30, 2025, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico, witnessed the tragic assassination of former deputy Francisco Rojas Cano, affectionately known as Paco Rojas, inside the Instituto de la Función Registral del Estado de México (IFREM). Initial reports indicate he was shot directly by an armed male assailant who entered the building and targeted Rojas as he was conducting official business.
According to reports from Cuestion de Polémica, Rojas was shot multiple times, leading to his immediate death at the scene. The assailant managed to flee without being apprehended by security personnel, raising serious questions about the safety measures within government institutions.
Witnesses recounted the harrowing scene of the attack, stating, "A man armed entered the location and fired directly at Rojas." The firing left the offices filled with chaos and panic, and Rojas' body lay exposed to the shocked employees and visitors present at the time. The incident has reignited concerns about political violence, particularly as Rojas' assassination eerily mirrors the fate of his father, Francisco Rojas San Román, who was killed six years prior, also during his involvement in politics.
Paco Rojas was not only known for his political ambition but was also actively engaged with his community through his foundation, Paco Rojas Vive A.C., which he established to honor his father's legacy. His career included serving as deputy for the PAN party, and most recently, he was campaigning for federal deputy representing the PAN-PRI-PRD coalition.
Rojas completed his previous legislative term representing the District 23 of Cuautitlán Izcalli before setting his focus on the upcoming elections. He came from a politically active family, with his father having previously served as deputy and having ambitions to lead as the candidate for mayor of Cuautitlán Izcalli.
Rojas' assassination not only marks another tragic chapter of violence affecting political figures but also raises concerns about the safety of those serving their communities. He was not just involved politically; he had roots deeply embedded within the economic fabric of Cuautitlán Izcalli, running his own transport business and being the exclusive supplier of gasoline for local governments, which had led to questions of potential conflict of interest.
“This assassination occurs six years after the murder of his father,” noted several reports, drawing parallels between the two figures and intensifying the discourse on the hazardous nature of political engagement within the region. The lack of apprehension of the shooter only adds to the anxiety surrounding the security of public figures and their supporters.
Public officials and communities within Cuautitlán Izcalli expressed their sorrow and shock over the incident, highlighting the growing concern over the risks faced by politicians and their families. The unfortunate trends of violence against public servants pose severe ramifications not only on current political climates but also on public trust and safety.
Investigations are underway as local authorities work tirelessly to ascertain details surrounding the assassination and to track down the assailant, who remains at large. Law enforcement agencies are expected to provide updates to the community on safety measures being implemented to protect individuals involved with legislative duties moving forward.
The impact of Francisco Rojas’ life and work is one remembered fondly within his community; he championed local initiatives and contributed to social programs aimed to uplift the impoverished and promote educational opportunities. His commitment to public service and dedication to his late father's vision created hopes for many voters who supported him.
Sadly, the brutal nature of his untimely death poses hard-hitting questions about the current state of political affairs not only within Cuautitlán Izcalli but across broader Mexican politics, where it seems acts of violence against public officials are alarmingly becoming a recurring theme.
The loss of such promising leadership is detrimental to the progress and development of the region. Following the attack, community members are more determined to call for change and advocate for measures dedicated to ensuring security for politicians and citizens alike. The memory of Francisco Rojas may become one of caution, urging immediate attention to the dire circumstances surrounding political violence.