In a shocking act of violence, a Mexican mayor known for his bold stance against drug cartels was tragically gunned down on Saturday. Carlos Manzo, a prominent political figure in Michoacán, had repeatedly appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for increased federal support to combat the escalating power of drug traffickers in his state.
The incident occurred in Uruapan, Michoacán, where Manzo was attending a solemn candlelight ceremony. He was shot shortly after 8 p.m. and, despite efforts to save him, later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Authorities, led by Michoacán’s attorney general Carlos Torres Piña, have launched an investigation into the assassination, though the motive remains unclear.
Eyewitness accounts and social media videos of the attack depict a scene of chaos and terror, with dozens of people scattering as gunfire erupted. State Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla swiftly confirmed Manzo’s death, announcing that the assailant had been neutralized and two individuals were apprehended in connection with the crime.
Manzo was an outspoken critic of President Sheinbaum’s strategy against organized crime, frequently demanding more robust federal intervention. In the months leading up to his death, he had expressed profound fears for his safety in several online videos. His concerns were tragically echoed last year when a journalist was murdered moments after interviewing him in Uruapan, underscoring the perilous environment for those who challenge the cartels.
Michoacán has become a brutal battleground for some of Mexico’s most ruthless cartels, fiercely vying for control over lucrative drug routes. Earlier this year, Manzo faced criticism from Sheinbaum after advocating for local police to use lethal force against criminals attacking civilians. Despite his initial affiliation with her Morena party, Manzo had recently run as an independent in 2024, highlighting his independent and confrontational approach.
Investigators recovered a 9-millimeter handgun from the scene and are working to conclusively identify the attacker as part of their ongoing efforts to bring justice to this high-profile case.