A Mexican mayor, known for his vocal opposition to and advocacy for stringent laws against trafficking, was fatally shot during a Day of the Dead event over the weekend.
Prior to his demise, Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo had criticized Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, asserting she showed insufficient resolve in confronting cartels. His municipality is located in Michoacán State, an area plagued by exceptionally severe cartel-related violence.
“We require greater resolve from the ,” Manzo conveyed to local media in September, asserting he would not “take a single step back.”
“I refuse to become merely another mayor on the roster of those executed and deprived of their lives,” he added. “I am deeply fearful, yet I must confront this with bravery.”
According to state officials, Manzo sustained seven gunshot wounds on Saturday night at a Day of the Dead vigil. He succumbed to his injuries at a nearby medical facility.
On Sunday, Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch declared that an inquiry into Manzo’s assassination would commence.
“Our profound sympathies go out to his family, loved ones, and the citizens of Uruapan, who are enduring a painful and unjust loss at the hands of ,” Harfuch stated during a press conference. “Impunity will not be tolerated.”
Authorities reported that Manzo’s security detail was substantial, consisting of officers personally selected by him and 14 members of the National Guard.
Manzo’s assertive stance on crime led to him being dubbed “Mexican Bukele,” a reference to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, known for his extensive campaign against gang violence. The New York Times indicated that Manzo had voiced criticism of Sheinbaum’s handling of cartel problems since her inauguration in October 2024.
“If she believes she can apprehend these criminals without firing a single shot and expect them to simply surrender, then she ought to achieve it,” Manzo stated in a May address, speaking of Sheinbaum. “And rest assured, if she succeeds in that, I will promptly tender my resignation.”