Mexican Mayor Carlos Manzo Gunned Down at Day of the Dead Event in Violence-Ravaged Michoacan Amid Wave of Political Killings

Uruapan, Michoacan – Gunmen shot dead the mayor of a Mexican city during a public event on Saturday, authorities said, in an area plagued by violence and organised crime. Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in the western state of Michoacan, was killed in an attack in the city centre, the national public security agency said in a statement. “Two people involved in the incident were arrested, and one of the assailants had lost his life,” it added.

The brazen shooting happened during a crowded Day of the Dead celebration, a time when families honour their loved ones with altars, flowers, and gatherings. Videos shared online showed people fleeing the crowded event after gunshots were heard. Manzo, who had only taken office in September 2024, died in hospital at 20:50 local time after being gravely wounded. A local councillor, Víctor Hugo de la Cruz, was also hurt but is now out of danger, according to Michoacan’s state prosecutor.

This tragic event has sent shockwaves through Mexico, where political figures face growing threats from powerful drug cartels. Manzo’s death is the latest in a string of attacks on leaders, highlighting the deep grip of crime in regions like Michoacan, famous for its avocado farms but infamous for gang extortion.

Details of the Deadly Attack and Immediate Aftermath

The assault unfolded in the heart of Uruapan, a bustling city known for its markets and cultural events. Manzo was attending the Day of the Dead festivities when armed men opened fire. Initial reports say the attackers used a 9mm handgun, with seven shell casings found at the scene. One gunman was killed during the chaos, possibly in a shootout with security forces, while two others were quickly detained.

Authorities have launched a full investigation, seizing a short weapon and gathering evidence. The state prosecutor, Carlos Torres Piña, confirmed the details and vowed that the crime would not go unpunished. No motive has been officially stated, but locals point to the ongoing turf wars between cartels like Jalisco New Generation and local groups vying for control of lucrative extortion rackets.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out, with crowds scattering in fear. Social media videos captured the terror, showing people running for cover amid the colourful altars and decorations. The attack lasted only minutes but left a lasting scar on the community, turning a day of remembrance into one of mourning.

Carlos Manzo: A Mayor Who Fought Back Against Crime

Manzo was no stranger to the dangers of his role. He became mayor in September 2024 after winning as an independent candidate, promising to stand up to the cartels that terrorise farmers and businesses in Michoacan. He occasionally joined security patrols on the streets wearing a bulletproof vest. In a video on his social media of one such patrol in June, he urged the federal government to do more to tackle violent crime.

Just weeks before his death, Manzo voiced his fears publicly. “I am very afraid,” he said in an interview, adding, “I don’t want to be another municipal president on the list of those executed.” His warnings went unheeded, despite repeated calls for federal help to curb the violence. He had spoken out against the government’s inaction, even appealing directly to President Claudia Sheinbaum during her campaign visits to the area.

Manzo’s bravery made him a target. He often highlighted how cartels extort avocado growers – Michoacan produces most of Mexico’s avocados, a billion-dollar industry – forcing them to pay protection money or face deadly consequences. His patrols were a symbol of resistance, but in a region where gangs outgun local forces, such efforts carried huge risks.

Recent Wave of Violence in Michoacan and Beyond

Michoacan state has for years suffered violence from powerful drug cartels operating in the agricultural region, seeking to extort farmers. His killing came days after Michoacan farmer representative Bernardo Bravo, who often spoke out against extortion by crime gangs, was also shot dead.

This is part of a broader pattern in Mexico, plagued by drug-related violence for nearly two decades, has seen numerous local politicians assassinated in recent years. Last month, armed assailants gunned down the mayor of Pisaflores in central Mexico. In June, armed men stormed a mayor’s office in southern Mexico, killing her and a staff member. The following day, another mayor was murdered in the country’s west along with her husband.

In Michoacan alone, the toll is staggering. Just days before Manzo’s death, a reporter, Mauricio Cruz Solís, was shot dead in Uruapan after interviewing a local official – underscoring the dangers faced by those who challenge the status quo. Over 100 candidates and 50 officials have been killed in 2025, with many attacks linked to cartels silencing critics.

The state governor, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, has faced criticism for the security failures, with some locals blaming his administration for leaving leaders exposed. Federal forces have stepped up operations, but residents say it’s not enough to break the cartels’ hold.

Public Outcry and Calls for Justice

The murder has sparked widespread anger across Mexico. On social media, people demand justice, with hashtags like #JusticiaParaCarlosManzo trending. Many blame the ruling Morena party and President Sheinbaum for ignoring pleas for help, accusing the government of complicity through inaction.

Opposition figures and activists have called for a thorough probe, urging the federal government to take over security in Michoacan. “This should not be another unsolved case,” said one local leader. Protests are brewing, with demands for the president’s resignation over the rising body count.

Human rights groups warn that without real reforms, more lives will be lost. Mexico’s murder rate remains high, with over 60 killings a day nationwide. The government has promised to investigate, but trust is low after years of impunity.

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