Mexico Senate fight caught on camera as political tensions erupt
-Reuters
A legislative session in Mexico’s Senate ended in a physical altercation following a contentious debate over the possibility of US military intervention to combat drug cartels.
The clash involved Alejandro “Alito” Moreno, leader of the opposition PRI party, and Senate President Gerardo Fernández Noroña of the ruling Morena party.
The confrontation unfolded as lawmakers were singing the national anthem, with footage showing lawmakers shoving, slapping, and one person being knocked to the ground by a green-shirted aide.
Moreno, upset over a perceived denial of speaking time, reportedly grabbed Noroña’s arm and initiated the fight. In response, Noroña claimed the opposition ganged up on him and intended to file a formal complaint and a proposal to expel Moreno and other involved lawmakers.
🚨 HOLY CRAP! A literal FIST FIGHT just broke out on the floor of the Mexican Senate, as members cash over United States involvement in taking out Mexican cartels
Any Mexican politician pushing AGAINST U.S. intervention should be investigated for being PAID OFF by the cartels! pic.twitter.com/kOLto3Yl7tThe altercation occurred amid a heated debate where PRI and PAN legislators were accused, an allegation they denied, of calling for US military intervention in Mexico’s internal affairs.
US assistance in the fight against drug cartels remains deeply controversial and polarizing.
Though rare, this was not the first instance of legislative violence in Mexico; a similar brawl occurred in the Chamber of Deputies in 2006.