The mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, was shot dead during a public event on Saturday (November 1st). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum promised on Sunday to seek justice for Manzo. Manzo had openly criticized organized crime, urging the government to take more measures to protect him and other civilians.
The National Public Security Agency of Mexico stated in a release that Manzo was attacked and killed in the center of Uruapan in Michoacan. The statement added, “Two suspects have been arrested, and one attacker has died.”
Michoacan has long been plagued by violence from drug trafficking groups operating in agricultural areas, attempting to extort farmers.
Manzo, aged 40, was shot during an event commemorating the Day of the Dead. President Sheinbaum promised on Sunday to seek justice for Manzo.
On Sunday morning, Sheinbaum convened an emergency meeting of the security cabinet, then issued a statement on the social media platform, condemning the assassination.
“We reaffirm our commitment to mobilize all national resources to achieve peace and security, eradicate any situation of impunity, and ensure comprehensive judicial justice,” Sheinbaum wrote.
Manzo was one of Mexico’s few independent politicians elected to public office. He had been serving as the mayor of Uruapan since September 2024. Since taking office, Manzo had often worn a bulletproof vest, urging the federal government to intensify efforts to combat organized crime, while also expressing concerns about his own safety.
(References: Reuters)