Mexican ruling party lawmaker found dead, cause of death unclear

Zenyazen Escobar, a federal lawmaker from Mexico’s ruling Morena party, was found dead with a gunshot wound inside his car in Veracruz, with a firearm reportedly nearby. Authorities have opened an investigation but have not determined whether the death was a homicide or suicide; officials said the vehicle showed no signs of an attack. Mexico’s lower house expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. The death has heightened concerns about political violence ahead of upcoming local and federal elections, amid documented incidents linked to organized crime seeking to influence Mexican politics.