Amid a heated debate regarding U.S. involvement in combating drug cartels, chaos erupted in the Mexican Senate on Wednesday as two senior politicians engaged in a physical altercation. Alejandro “Allito” Moreno, leader of the Opposition Party (PRI), and Geraldo Fernandez Noronha, president of the dominant Morena party, were at the center of the commotion.
The conflict began after accusations were made during the debate, where the Morena Party and its allies alleged that PRI and conservative National Action Party (PAN) members were advocating for U.S. military intervention in Mexico, which was evidently denied.
The situation intensified following reports that then-President Donald Trump had given the go-ahead for U.S. military action against Latin American drug cartels that had been classified as terrorist organizations.
Moreno, reportedly frustrated by being denied the opportunity to make his closing remarks, approached Noronha, visibly upset. “I’m asking you to let me talk,” he said while grabbing Noronha’s arm. The Senate president responded with a shout, “Don’t touch me!” and that’s when the confrontation escalated.
In the struggle, Moreno clashed with one of Noronha’s associates. Another lawmaker seemingly threw a punch in an attempt to break up the fray.
Allegations from local reports indicated that Noronha accused Moreno of making threats against him, claiming, “He hit me and said, ‘I’m going to break your mother, I’m going to kill you.'” Moreno countered, asserting that it was Noronha who instigated the violence and that the opposition’s voices were being silenced. “Let’s make it clear: the first physical attack came from Noronha,” he stated on social media.
The Senate president has indicated plans to pursue criminal charges against Moreno and three other PRI lawmakers involved in the incident. Additionally, he has called for an emergency session to suggest the expulsion of Moreno and others as a consequence of the brawl.
As of now, neither Noronha nor Moreno have commented on the situation post-incident.
