Uruapan, Mexico — A local mayor known for his vocal opposition to organized crime was fatally shot during a public festival in Michoacán, igniting widespread calls for justice among residents. Carlos Manzo, 40, was attacked on Saturday night while attending a Day of the Dead celebration in the city’s historical center. His funeral on Sunday drew hundreds of mourners dressed in black, who lined the streets to honor his memory and demand accountability.
Witnesses reported that Manzo was shot seven times by an unidentified assailant, who was later killed at the scene. The attack also left a city council member and a bodyguard injured. Federal Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch announced that the firearm used in the shooting was linked to violent confrontations between rival criminal groups in the area.
The tragedy has drawn significant attention, including a response from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who condemned the “vile” assassination and called for an emergency meeting of her security team. She promised to employ all resources necessary to ensure that there is no impunity for those involved. “We reaffirm our commitment to deploy all the State’s efforts to achieve peace and security,” Sheinbaum stated via social media.
Manzo had been serving as mayor of Uruapan since September 2024, often donning a bulletproof vest due to ongoing threats to his life. He had previously urged the federal government to enhance efforts against organized crime. In interviews, he expressed concern about becoming just another statistic in a long list of murdered public officials. “I don’t want to be just another mayor on the list of those executed,” he had stated, emphasizing his fears for personal safety.
Uruapan, regarded as Mexico’s avocado capital, has experienced a surge in crime linked to the lucrative avocado trade, which has seen increased demand from the United States. This booming industry has made local politicians targets for criminal organizations looking to exert control over lucrative avenues of revenue.
In recent months, violence against public officials has escalated, with several mayors and journalists losing their lives. Notably, Salvador Bastidas, the mayor of Tacámbaro, was gunned down in June alongside his bodyguard. The growing trend of violence against public figures in Michoacán raises urgent questions about the safety of those who dare to oppose criminal groups.
Manzo had been under protective measures since December 2024, and the security detail was bolstered last May, incorporating municipal police and National Guard officers. Harfuch highlighted the audacious nature of the attack, stating that the perpetrators exploited the vulnerabilities of a public gathering.
In the wake of the shooting, U.S. officials have also expressed solidarity, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stating that the U.S. is prepared to enhance security cooperation with Mexico to combat organized crime on both sides of the border.
As the community mourns the loss of a leader who advocated for justice and safety, the need for effective measures to tackle organized crime remains critical in Mexico, particularly in regions like Michoacán that are deeply impacted by violence. The call for justice in Carlos Manzo’s death resonates with many who fear for the future of public safety in their communities.