Mexico City was shaken to its core on May 14, 2025, as the news of a heinous crime spread like wildfire. The founder and editor of El Guerrero, Opinión Ciudadana, José Carlos González Herrera, met a tragic end when unidentified assailants ambushed and shot him dead in Acapulco’s bustling city center. A promising journalist at the age of 39, González had his life brutally cut short as his attackers vanished into thin air.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) swiftly condemned this cowardly act and urged Mexican authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the incident. They seek to uncover whether González was specifically targeted due to his journalistic endeavors. Jan-Albert Hootsen, CPJ’s Mexico representative, expressed outrage at the prevailing climate of violence against the press in Mexico. He emphasized the urgent need for justice:
“If Mexican authorities finally want to show their commitment to press freedom, they must bring González’s attackers to justice.”
José Carlos González was no ordinary journalist; he utilized Facebook as a platform for El Guerrero, where he engaged with over 143,000 followers through a mix of articles, videos, photos on various topics including local politics, security issues , sports events , cultural developments , and social movements . His unique style included posting commentary videos under the pseudonym “Ave Fénix,” concealing his identity behind a lucha libre mask.
This wasn’t González’s first brush with danger – an earlier attack in June 2023 left him injured. Despite this previous incident, it remains unclear whether he had received any specific threats leading up to his untimely demise. Shockingly, an official from the Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists disclosed that González had not been enrolled in any protection program mandated by their office.
In response to inquiries about this tragic event, silence echoes from Guerrero state public prosecutor’s office. Their lack of comment raises concerns about accountability and transparency regarding crimes against journalists in Mexico.
The legacy of José Carlos González serves as a grim reminder of the risks journalists face daily in pursuit of truth and justice. With calls for action reverberating across Mexico City and beyond, one thing remains certain – his memory will live on as a symbol of unwavering courage amidst adversity.
Let us honor his memory by standing up against violence towards those who strive to shed light on dark corners while weaving narratives that shape our understanding of the world around us.
