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A debate in Mexico City's Congress turned into a brawl Monday as lawmakers pulled hair, traded blows and shoved each other across the dais after an opposition protest over the city's transparency institute erupted into chaos.
Video from inside the chamber showed the dispute turned violent within seconds, with lawmakers lashing out at each other as others stood back and filmed the melee.
Reuters reported that the fight broke out during a debate over the dissolution of Mexico City's transparency institute.
The clash began when one woman grabbed another woman's hand, causing the second woman to pull her hand back and hit her in the stomach with an elbow.
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A debate in Mexico City over the city's transparency institute erupted into a chaotic brawl as lawmakers shoved, punched and filmed each other, forcing the session to be adjourned. (Mexico City Congress brochure)
The first woman retaliated by punching her in the back and then grabbed the other woman by the hair as the fight escalated.
One man intervened and tried to free her hand, but more lawmakers rushed forward as the shoving spread across the dais.
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A debate in Mexico City over the city's transparency institute erupted into a chaotic brawl as lawmakers shoved, punched and filmed each other, forcing the session to be adjourned. (Mexico City Congress brochure)
Several women were seen pushing and struggling while passersby held up phones to record the chaos.
Legislators from the opposition National Action Party had taken to the congressional podium to protest the measure that is at the center of the debate.
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In the photo: Aerial view of Mexico City on September 8, 2016, Mexico. (Frédéric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images)
The opposition accused Morena – the ruling party – of breaking an agreement to create a new transparency body, which sparked the occupation of the podium.
The session broke up as shouting intensified and rival groups clashed throughout the chamber.
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The meeting was eventually suspended and moved to another location so lawmakers could resume deliberations, local media reported.
Reuters contributed to this report.
