Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, more commonly known as “El Chapo,” is a Mexican drug lord. He heads the Sinaloa Cartel, which is responsible for roughly one quarter of all illegal drugs that enter the U.S. from Mexico.
After escaping a maximum security prison in Mexico, El Chapo was recaptured on January 8, 2016, as seen by the below tweet.
Mexican Drug Lord "El Chapo" Caught Again In Mexico https://t.co/fsKGRVfQaK … pic.twitter.com/ibEPvSaIEC
— TV Rapture (@TvRapture) January 8, 2016
Most of the activity on social media came on Twitter, as people were apparently able to sum up their reactions in 140 characters or less. Over 3.3 million tweets were posted, which made up 96 percent of social media activity.
Activity spiked on January 8, when El Chapo was caught. It also continued steadily for several days, as more people heard the news.
The Mexican man on the run was just about as popular on social platforms in his home country as he was in the U.S. This map shows that his online presence was very much concentrated in North America, with serious impact in Western Europe.
For the most part, tweets were either in favor of El Chapo or poked fun at the situation. Many made jokes about him being recaptured or breaking out again.
***Leaked cell phone pic shows El Chapo already plotting his next escape*** @TheDurttyBoyz @Stueyrock #HustleAlert pic.twitter.com/oycAdm83yi
— K 13iShoP (@RealKBishop) January 8, 2016
If El Chapo can escape Mexican prison. So can I. Let's party tonight
— Iovan (@_siovan) January 8, 2016
One of the most popular tweets (in English) was this meme jokingly saying that he will break out again in less than four months for Cinco de Mayo.
El Chapo be like 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/e4fRhjL5ue
— Growing up Mexican (@TheMexicanVines) January 8, 2016
As the most powerful drug trafficker in Mexico, El Chapo is an icon and a public figure, in addition to being one of the most notorious felons in history. But perception about him is surprisingly positive. We’ll see how social media reacts if he is indeed able to break out again.
Amanda Brandell, Stephanie Bronfein, Chris Mormon, Josh Schoch