Rival Politicians Throw Punches In Wild Brawl In Mexican Senate

A session in the Mexican Senate turned violent on Wednesday (August 27) when Alejandro "Alito" Moreno, leader of the opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and Gerardo Fernández Noroña, Senate president of the ruling Morena Party, clashed physically. The altercation followed a heated debate over the U.S.'s involvement in combating drug cartels in Mexico.

The confrontation began after the national anthem concluded the day's session. Moreno approached Fernández Noroña, demanding to speak, which led to a physical altercation. Video footage shows Moreno grabbing Fernández Noroña, who responded with, "Don't touch me," before the two began shoving each other. Moreno also knocked down an aide to Fernández Noroña during the scuffle.

The dispute arose from accusations by the Morena Party that the PRI and the National Action Party (PAN) were advocating for U.S. military intervention in Mexico, a claim both parties denied. This issue has been contentious following reports that President Donald Trump authorized military action against Latin American drug cartels labeled as terrorist organizations.

Following the brawl, Fernández Noroña accused Moreno of making threats against his life, saying, "He hit me and told me, 'I'm going to break your mother, I'm going to kill you.'" Moreno countered that the ruling party was attempting to silence the opposition by changing the session's agenda at the last minute.

Fernández Noroña plans to call an emergency session on Friday to propose expelling Moreno and three other PRI lawmakers involved in the incident. He also filed a criminal complaint against Moreno.

You can watch a video of the brawl below: