Valentín Lavín Romero, the mayor of Temoac, Morelos, has publicly announced that he is taking a leave of absence from his duties as he recuperates from an armed attack that occurred on January 31. The assault took place when Lavín was traveling in his vehicle with his wife on the Mexico-Oaxaca highway near the community of Amayuca in Jantetelco. Despite being unharmed physically, he has decided to prioritize his physical and emotional healing.

In his social media post, Lavín expressed gratitude for the support he received following the incident, emphasizing that while he is doing well, he feels it is essential to focus on his recovery. He reassured the public that he has confidence in the authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and take action as necessary. His decision to request a leave of absence is made in accordance with medical advice, highlighting the seriousness of the situation he faced.

This incident raises questions about the safety of local officials in Mexico, where violence and armed attacks against politicians have tragically become more frequent. Lavín's situation underscores the ongoing issues surrounding public safety and the need for effective security measures for public servants in the region, as well as the overall climate of anxiety faced by local populations due to increased crime rates.