Tensions boiled over in Mexico City yesterday as thousands of Generation Z protesters took to the streets, their anger directed at President Claudia Sheinbaum's government. The demonstration, organized by members of this age group, initially remained peaceful but turned violent when a group of hooded individuals began hurling objects and committing acts of aggression.
At least 120 people were injured in the clashes, with 100 police officers caught in the crossfire, many of whom required hospital treatment for their wounds. The violence saw 20 protesters hurt, as well as several others who suffered bruises and cuts.
The protesters, who wore pirate skull flags and banners saluting Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, a local mayor assassinated last month after leading a crusade against drug trafficking gangs in his town, were calling for increased security measures. According to one protester, 29-year-old Andres Massa, "We need more security."
The violence drew the ire of President Sheinbaum, who maintains an approval rating above 70% despite facing criticism of her security policy due to several high-profile murders. In a statement, she accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using bots on social media to increase attendance.
As the protesters gathered in front of the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives and works, they knocked down metal fences and used objects to pound against the gates. The police, who were protecting the compound, responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers, which only seemed to galvanize the crowd.
The clashes were a stark reminder that, despite their relatively peaceful protests in recent months, Gen Z is increasingly willing to take a hard line when it comes to issues they feel strongly about.
At least 120 people were injured in the clashes, with 100 police officers caught in the crossfire, many of whom required hospital treatment for their wounds. The violence saw 20 protesters hurt, as well as several others who suffered bruises and cuts.
The protesters, who wore pirate skull flags and banners saluting Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, a local mayor assassinated last month after leading a crusade against drug trafficking gangs in his town, were calling for increased security measures. According to one protester, 29-year-old Andres Massa, "We need more security."
The violence drew the ire of President Sheinbaum, who maintains an approval rating above 70% despite facing criticism of her security policy due to several high-profile murders. In a statement, she accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using bots on social media to increase attendance.
As the protesters gathered in front of the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives and works, they knocked down metal fences and used objects to pound against the gates. The police, who were protecting the compound, responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers, which only seemed to galvanize the crowd.
The clashes were a stark reminder that, despite their relatively peaceful protests in recent months, Gen Z is increasingly willing to take a hard line when it comes to issues they feel strongly about.
I mean, I get it, security measures are important and all that, but can't they just talk about it like adults? The fact that things got violent is just crazy. And what's up with the pirate skull flags? Trying to be some kind of rebellious symbol or something? 
I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but some of these kids need to get their heads out of the sand and figure out how to make real change.
There are some great young leaders out there who actually care about making a difference, but they're getting drowned out by all this noise. Let's get back to having real conversations, not just shouting matches on social media 
my heart goes out to those 120+ people who got hurt during the protest 
... like what's going on with that situation? 
I can understand why Gen Z would be frustrated about security, but violence isn't the answer, you know? 
it's scary to see how quickly things escalated. and ouch to all those cops getting hurt too 
... hope everyone involved is okay and can talk about this without any more violence 
I'm literally living for it. The fact that Gen Z is speaking out against the government on security measures shows that they're not afraid to take a stand, even if it gets violent 
. I get why the police would be hesitant to crack down hard, but at the same time, they can't just let them destroy property and hurt each other 
.
? I mean, isn't the whole point of protesting to stand up for something and have an honest discussion? Not to be manipulated or controlled by outside forces 
.
! They were mad at President Sheinbaum's government and were demanding more security measures 
, but things got out of hand when some hooded folks started throwing objects and causing trouble 
. At least 120 people were hurt, including cops who need hospital treatment 
.
! They knocked down fences and pounded on gates, and the cops responded with tear gas... yeah, that didn't help 
president sheinbaum's trying to keep everyone calm but this whole situation feels kinda volatile 
... anyway, 120 people hurt, including cops? that's insane 
these protests need to stay peaceful if they wanna make a real change 
, but come on, can't they just express themselves without getting violent? 
The fact that 100 cops got hurt is just crazy 
. And what's with the whole "right-wing parties trying to infiltrate" thing? Can't we all just agree to disagree and respect each other's opinions? 
I mean, I'm sure President Sheinbaum has her reasons for not implementing more security measures, but does she have to get defensive about it? 
. We need more transparency and accountability from our leaders, especially when it comes to issues like security and public safety 
.
I'm freaking out thinking about these Gen Z protesters in Mexico City yesterday... it's like they're being radicalized by the system, you know? They started out peaceful, but then this group of hooded individuals showed up and ruined everything 
.