Two journalists shot in two days in Mexico: protection measures still abysmal in one of the world’s most dangerous countries for reporters

On 18 March 2026, Juan David Gámezwas shot dead in the Valle de Lincoln neighbourhood of García, in the northern state of Nuevo León. According to RSF information, he was attacked while riding his motorcycle near his home. Juan David Gámez regularly published information about security issues, corruption, drug trafficking groups, road incidents, violent events and police operations in the region on his news site and social media accounts. According to the national outlet Animal Político, authorities in Nuevo León reportedthat the investigation is examining death threats the reporter had received.

Two days earlier, on 16 March, Óscar Merino Ruizwas shot in Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, a city in the coastal region of the southern state of Oaxaca. According to RSF information, individuals on a motorcycle approached him and opened fire while he was walking in the street with his wife. Óscar Merino Ruiz remains in critical condition at the time of writing. Authorities have opened an investigation into the crime, but the motive has not yet been publicly confirmed. The attack may well have been a reprisal for the journalist's work, as the outlet he directed, OM Noticias, covers sensitive local security issues.

Mexicoremains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists outside active war zones. RSF has repeatedly warned that local reporters and online news providers covering security issues, corruption and organised crime are particularly exposed to violence. The attacks against Juan David Gámez and Óscar Merino Ruiz, neither of whom were under any form of state protection, illustrate once again the inaction of President Claudia Sheinbaum's government. Despite signing a pledge to strengthen protections for journalists at the beginning of her term, President Sheinbaum has so far producedlittletangible improvement to the country's dire state of press freedom.