Gerardo de la Maza, mayor of El Carmen, Nuevo León, publicly apologized on Monday, June 22, 2026, after a video surfaced showing him physically assaulting a taquero at a taquería in San Pedro Garza García.

The footage, recorded by security cameras at “Los Focos Amarillos” on Avenida Vasconcelos in the Del Valle neighborhood, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread reactions. In the video, De la Maza is seen grabbing a young waiter by the collar and squeezing it in front of other diners.

According to reports, the mayor arrived at the establishment accompanied by a woman to address a prior issue involving his minor daughter. In a statement posted on his social media accounts, De la Maza acknowledged that his behavior was wrong and driven by emotion and frustration, but he emphasized that this did not justify his actions.

He also extended apologies to the restaurant staff, especially the waiters involved, the business owner, and the witnesses present during the incident.

This episode highlights the challenges public officials face in managing personal conflicts in public spaces, and it raises questions about accountability and conduct in leadership roles. For communities in Nuevo León and beyond, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful dialogue and the impact of social media in holding figures of authority accountable.