In the western Mexican city of Uruapan, state of Michoacán, mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez was fatally shot while attending Day-of-the-Dead celebrations in the town’s historic centre. Local officials said the attack occurred in front of dozens of people gathered for the event. A city council member and a bodyguard suffered gunshot injuries in the same attack.
Attack Details and Suspect Outcome
Authorities said the assailant fired seven times at the mayor before being killed at the scene. According to Mexico’s federal security secretary, the weapon used was linked to recent armed clashes involving criminal groups operating in the region. Officials are treating the killing as connected to organised crime activity and are keeping all investigative options open.
A Voice Against Cartels
Manzo Rodríguez had drawn national attention by publicly criticising corrupt officials and cartel influence in Michoacán. He had appealed to the federal government for more help to combat criminal groups in Uruapan, a major avocado-producing region. For his efforts, the mayor had been under federal protection since late 2024 and carried an expanded security detail including National Guard personnel.
Community Outrage and Political Fallout
Following the killing, hundreds of residents dressed in black took to the streets of Uruapan for the funeral procession. They held photographs of the slain mayor and chanted “Justice! Justice! Out with Morena!”, referencing the ruling party. Meanwhile, President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the “vile” assassination and convened an emergency security meeting to address impunity and cartel violence in the state.
The Broader Context of Violence
Michoacán is one of Mexico’s most violent states, with territory contested by rival cartel factions. Local and federal authorities warn that attacks against public officials have increased as organised crime sharpens its influence across communities. The mayor’s death highlights the risks faced by local leaders who challenge criminal networks, even when protected by federal forces.
Conclusion
The killing of Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez during a public festival underscores the deadly intersection of politics and organised crime in Mexico. While authorities investigate, Uruapan and the wider region grapple with the tragic outcome of one man’s push for change. As the community mourns, questions about security, justice, and state capacity demand urgent answers.
