Mob Justice Erupts in Tehuacan After Fruit Vendor Assault

Mob Sets Fire to Home of Men Accused of Assaulting Fruit Vendor in Tehuacan, Puebla A wave of anger and frustration swept through Tehuacan, Puebla, Mexico, in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025, as a mob attacked and set ablaze the home and business of Julio Flores Cabrera and his son, Gerson Flores. The targets of the attack are accused of assaulting Misael, a humble fruit vendor, on May 21st. The assault stemmed from a dispute over Misael's presence on a public street while selling his produce to support his family, whose father is gravely ill. "They attacked me brutally," Misael stated in a brief interview. "I was just trying to make a living." The mob, composed of both men and women, some on motorcycles and wearing hoods, acted swiftly and decisively, torching a vehicle during the attack. The incident followed a day of protests organized by Misael's friends and supporters, who blocked major avenues and gathered in front of the Flores' home demanding their arrest. Local police intervened to disperse the mob, resorting to warning shots to control the situation. While no injuries or arrests have been reported in connection with the mob attack as of Thursday afternoon, the lack of immediate action against the initial aggressors has drawn sharp criticism of local authorities. The incident underscores the deep-seated tensions and the urgent need for a just resolution to the conflict. The community awaits the authorities' response and hopes for a peaceful resolution.