At least 5 dead as strong winds topple stage at a campaign rally in northern Mexico
NBCMAY 2024
Mexico: 9 Killed After Stage Collapses at Election Rally
Above: Presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez of Movimiento Ciudadano party speaks during a campaign rally on March 12, 2024 in Monterrey, Mexico. Image copyright: Medios y Media/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This tragedy shocked the whole country — no one would ever expect that a gust of wind could cause the stage to collapse on the crowd. Nuevo León will assist those who have lost their loved ones, including covering funeral-related costs and bringing them attention and support.
Narrative B
This wasn't an accident, but a crime. Given that Mexico's meteorological authority had warned of heavy winds — including potential whirlwinds and tornadoes — in Nuevo León, these deaths and injuries are at best a result of the Citizens' Movement and state authorities acting with criminal negligence.