Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, was shot dead during a Day of the Dead event, officials said. Authorities reported two arrests and that one attacker was killed at the scene. Manzo, who took office in September 2024, had publicly joined street patrols and urged the federal government to act on cartel violence. His death follows recent killings of local leaders in the region and underscores Mexico's ongoing struggle with organized crime.
Mayor of Uruapan Shot Dead at Day of the Dead Event After Urging Federal Action on Crime
Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, was shot dead during a Day of the Dead event, officials said. Authorities reported two arrests and that one attacker was killed at the scene. Manzo, who took office in September 2024, had publicly joined street patrols and urged the federal government to act on cartel violence. His death follows recent killings of local leaders in the region and underscores Mexico's ongoing struggle with organized crime.
17:49, 02.11.2025Security
Mayor of Uruapan killed during Day of the Dead celebration
Gunmen shot and killed Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in the western state of Michoacán, during a public Day of the Dead event on Saturday, authorities said. The national public security agency reported that two people involved were arrested and that one of the assailants was killed at the scene.
Videos shared online show attendees fleeing the crowded city-centre celebration after gunfire erupted. Organisers and witnesses confirmed Manzo was struck during the event.
Manzo took office in September 2024 and had periodically joined street security patrols, often appearing in a bulletproof vest. In a June social media video from one such patrol, he publicly urged the federal government to step up efforts to combat violent crime and cartel activity in the region.
Michoacán has long been affected by violence from powerful drug cartels operating across the agricultural region and seeking to extort farmers. Manzo's killing comes days after Bernardo Bravo, a local farmers' representative who frequently denounced extortion by criminal gangs, was also shot dead.
Context: Mexico has suffered nearly two decades of drug-related violence, and a string of local officials have been targeted in recent months. Recent attacks include the killing of the mayor of Pisaflores last month, the storming of a mayor's office in June that left a mayor and a staff member dead, and the May murders of two aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada.
Federal and state authorities said investigations are ongoing. Officials have not announced a motive or identified those responsible beyond the arrests and the assailant killed at the scene. The incident has renewed calls from local leaders for a stronger federal response to organized crime and public insecurity.
What happens next: Authorities in Michoacán and federal prosecutors are expected to release further details as the probe continues. The killings add pressure on policymakers to address violence that has repeatedly targeted public officials and community leaders.