Uruapan, Mexico – The western state of Michoacán is reeling from the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor and vocal opponent of organized crime, who was fatally shot during a Day of the Dead celebration over the weekend. His death has sparked widespread calls for justice among residents, reflecting the growing concerns over violence and lawlessness in the region.
On Sunday, hundreds of mourners donned black attire and marched through the streets of Uruapan, joining the funeral procession to honor Manzo, who was just 40 years old. Holding signs demanding accountability, participants chanted for justice and expressed their outrage over the escalating violence tied to criminal organizations.
Manzo was shot multiple times in the historic center of Uruapan on Saturday night and was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The attack also left a city council member and a bodyguard injured. Authorities confirmed that the assailant was killed at the scene, but the circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
Federal Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch provided details on the incident, stating the weapon used in the shooting had been linked to previous altercations between rival gangs. He emphasized that all avenues would be explored in the effort to bring light to this heinous act, noting, “No line of investigation is being ruled out.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the murder as “vile” and assured the public that her administration would pursue justice with utmost seriousness. Following an emergency meeting of her security cabinet, she pledged to mobilize all state resources to combat the burgeoning threat posed by organized crime.
Since taking office in September 2024, Manzo had been an outspoken advocate for enhanced security measures, often seen wearing a bulletproof vest. Voices from the community have echoed his cries for greater government intervention against the organized crime infiltrating Uruapan, which is known for its booming avocado industry— a hotspot for criminal activity given the lucrative market.
The mayor had previously expressed concerns about being among the many officials murdered for opposing organized crime, stating, “I don’t want to be just another mayor on the list of those executed.” This tragic event marks a continuing trend of violence against public officials in Michoacán, where several mayors and journalists have faced similar fates.
Manzo’s assassination follows the killing of Salvador Bastidas, mayor of Tacámbaro, who was shot earlier this year alongside his bodyguard. The increase in violence has raised alarms not just locally but also with U.S. officials, expressing a willingness to bolster security collaborations to tackle organized crime cross-border.
In the wake of tragedy, the community is not only mourning its leader but also reflecting on the broader implications of violence that has gripped their region for years, as they demand accountability from those in power to provide safety and security for all residents.