A Mexican mayor who vocally opposed drug cartels was shot dead on Saturday night in Uruapan, Michoacán, during the “Day of the Dead” celebrations. Carlos Manzo, aged 40, was gunned down by two assailants in the city’s central square while attending the festival, leaving supporters and attendees in shock.
In a statement on social media platform X, Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, condemned the “vile assassination” and extended her condolences to Manzo’s family and the people of Uruapan. The violence surrounding the incident has drawn significant attention and outrage, reflecting the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Mexico.
Security consultant David Saucedo characterized the attack as a “kamikaze attack,” highlighting the boldness of the assailants. Manzo had gained prominence for his confrontational stance against the powerful cartels that have plagued Mexico for years. Just weeks before his death, he had expressed his determination to confront the violence, stating, “I don’t want to be just another murdered mayor. But it is important not to let fear control us.”
The assassination has sparked outrage not only within Mexico but also in international circles. Christopher Landau, the US Deputy Secretary of State and former ambassador to Mexico, expressed his condolences on X, emphasizing that the United States is prepared to enhance security cooperation with Mexico to combat organized crime. He noted, “On this All Souls’ Day, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Carlos Manzo,” sharing a poignant image of the mayor with his young son just moments before the attack.
Manzo had a political background with Sheinbaum’s Morena Party before declaring himself an independent. He was critical of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador‘s “hugs not bullets” strategy towards narcotraffickers. His call for a more aggressive approach against the cartels resonated with many in his community, where violence and fear have become commonplace.
Despite being accompanied by national guard troops during the event, the security detail was unable to prevent the attack. Manzo’s assassination has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of current security measures in place to protect politicians and citizens alike in regions heavily affected by drug-related violence.
This tragic event underscores the risks faced by public officials in Mexico, particularly those who challenge the status quo. As the nation grapples with the implications of this attack, calls for stronger action against organized crime are likely to intensify, reflecting the urgent need for change in the battle against cartel violence.
