Valeria Marquez shot dead during TikTok livestream in Mexico

In Mexico, a tragic incident involving 23-year-old social media influencer Valeria Marquez unfolded when she was shot dead while live streaming in her beauty salon located in Guadalajara. The event occurred on a Tuesday afternoon, around 18:30 local time. Marquez had a substantial following on social media, with fans expressing horror upon hearing the news of her murder. Just moments before her death, she had expressed fear about unknown individuals looking for her, which only adds to the chilling circumstances surrounding the event. Marquez was reportedly approached by a disguised man claiming to have a present for her, accompanied by another man who remained on a motorcycle outside the salon. As the investigation progressed, officials noted eerie similarities between Marquez's murder and other crimes in the area, indicative of the violence that is often executed by hired assassins, known as sicarios. Jalisco's local authorities categorized this case under femicide, emphasizing the unfortunate reality of gender-based violence that impacts many women across Mexico. The Jalisco State Prosecutor's Office has also indicated that the killing seemed to be carried out by hits for hire. Marquez's last moment was broadcasted to her audience in which she was handed gifts—a stuffed animal and a bag from Starbucks—right before the gunman attacked. Her death is believed to be linked to a string of violent incidents in the region, including the murder of a former congressman just hours prior. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the troubling nature of violence in the area and expressed condolences to Marquez's grieving family. With the growing unease brought by organized crime in the area and the specific mention of Marquez's situation leading to questions surrounding her safety, calls for increased protective measures for influencers and others at risk have intensified. The footage of her death, quickly disseminated online, was subsequently removed by TikTok, highlighting ongoing concerns about content moderation in the face of real-life violence. The case raises critical discussions about public safety, gender violence, and the responsibilities of social media platforms in the wake of violent acts broadcasted online.