Hedda Lettuce shares aftermath of cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta
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Popular drag queen and comedian Hedda Lettuce went viral after being one of the first to document the chaos and unrest that began in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday.
That night, the Mexican army located the country’s most-wanted cartel boss, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho and launched a secret raid on the town of Tapalpa in the state of Jalisco.
Amid the attack, El Mencho and two others were injured and evacuated, but ultimately died en route to the hospital.
Cervantes headed the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) which is one of the major traffickers of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States.
In the wake of the kingpin’s killing, suspected gang members retaliated across the country with violence, clashing with police and barricading roads.
Hedda, who splits time between Puerto Vallarta and New York, built her career in the East Village in the early 90s drag scene, even making an appearance in the 1995 film, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
Much of Hedda’s video diaries show shocking images of destruction in the city. Videos of members actively torching gas stations, smouldering automobiles, and looting of local businesses show just how serious the situation was.
Instagram videos show Hedda’s neighbors a little shaken but otherwise okay, even finding a little humor amid the aftereffects.
News of similar acts spread across other Mexican cities, with the US Embassy issuing a shelter-in-place for US citizens in Jalisco, Baja California, Nayarit and other areas including Colima, Guanajuato, Oaxaca and Puebla.
Hedda’s videos also focus on the community and how quickly the city has come together to return to a state of normalcy.
“Its the day after the attacks and I know the media’s out there painting Puerto Vallarta like some dangerous, chaotic mess,” reads one of Hedda’s post a few days after the attacks.
The clip shows Hedda talking to some locals on his walk around the neighborhood. “The kind faces, the strong community, and yes, all the sweet doggies just living their best lives. No drama. Just heart.”
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