A shocking act of violence unfolded in Mexico on Saturday as a gunman tragically ended the life of Carlos Manzo, a mayor renowned for his unwavering commitment to combating drug traffickers in his home state of Michoacán. Manzo had frequently appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for increased federal support in this critical fight.
The assassination occurred swiftly and brutally. Mayor Manzo was attending a solemn candlelight ceremony in Uruapan, Michoacán, when he was attacked. Reports indicate he was shot shortly after 8 p.m., succumbing to his injuries later at a local hospital. Michoacán’s attorney general, Carlos Torres Piña, confirmed the details, though the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media capture the chaos of the moment, with the sound of gunfire echoing as numerous attendees frantically sought safety. Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla of Michoacán acknowledged Manzo’s death via social media, also stating that authorities had neutralized the assailant and taken two individuals into custody.
Manzo was an outspoken critic of President Sheinbaum’s strategy for tackling organized crime, consistently demanding greater assistance from federal agencies. His concerns for personal safety were evident in recent months, as he frequently posted videos expressing his fears. Compounding the region’s volatility, a journalist was tragically killed last year in Uruapan, mere moments after an interview with Mayor Manzo.
Michoacán stands as a grim battleground where some of Mexico’s most ruthless cartels violently vie for supremacy in the lucrative drug trade. Earlier this year, Manzo faced criticism from President Sheinbaum after he controversially advocated for local police to use lethal force against criminals who attack civilians. Although a former member of President Sheinbaum’s Morena party, Manzo had pursued his 2024 campaign as an independent.
Law enforcement officials confirmed the recovery of a 9-millimeter firearm from the crime scene and are actively working to establish the identity of the assailant. Attorney General Torres Piña shared these details in a social media video released early Sunday morning.