Canadian politician Heather McPherson social media post in the wake of widespread violence in Mexico after the military gunned down gang lord El Mencho went viral as she specifically expressed concern for LGBTQ community members in Puerto Vallarta — the epicenter of the violence. Social media users did not understand why she could not just issue a simple statement expressing concern for all Canadians. Many wondered whether her specific concern stemmed from the fact that Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination for gay Canadians.“Many Canadians, especially members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, are in Puerto Vallarta, where violence has quickly escalated. A shelter-in-place order is in effect. Please stay vigilant and consult the Government of Canada travel advisories for Mexico,” the leader posted drawing massive flak for her discrimination. “Could you just be normal for 1 day and hope everyone gets home safely?” one wrote. “I trust the cartel has taken the appropriate DEI training to respond appropriately,” another wrote mockingly. “My mother is in Mexico right now, which I confirmed last night, is safe, not someone you’d care about because she’s not part of your alphabet gang. Do you see how dumb your post is?” a third user wrote. Canada issued a travel alert for its nationals after major unrest engulfed several Mexico states as El Mencho’s cartel responded to the assassination of their leader. “Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in various parts of Mexico. There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions, including on roads and highways connecting affected areas to Mexico city,” the advisory read.

More than 26,000 Canadians in Mexico

Foreign minister Anita Anand said 26,305 Canadians in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada after the unrest began. “We know that the actual number of Canadians in Mexico is much higher,” she said, noting that the registration is voluntary. Anand urged all Canadians in Mexico to register with GAC. In a press conference Monday, Anand said she is in touch with her Mexican counterpart who expects the situation to normalize in the coming days. Anand said Canada has no plans to send the military to Mexico.