A prominent Mexican mayor was assassinated on the night of November 4, 2023, during “Day of the Dead” festivities in Uruapan, Michoacán. Carlos Manzo, 40, was shot dead by two gunmen in a brazen attack that unfolded in front of shocked supporters in the city’s central square. This violent incident has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked outrage across Mexico and beyond.
In response to the assassination, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her deepest condolences on social media, stating, “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile assassination of the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo. I express my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the people of Uruapan, for this irreparable loss.”
Security consultant David Saucedo characterized the killing as a “kamikaze attack,” reflecting the shocking nature of the event. Manzo had gained recognition for his outspoken stance against the violent drug cartels that have plagued Mexico for years. He had previously acknowledged the risks associated with his position, stating, “I don’t want to be just another murdered mayor. But it is important not to let fear control us.”
Manzo’s assassination occurred shortly after he had called for “brute force” against the cartels, a statement that resonated amid the ongoing violence in the region. The mayor rose to political prominence with the Morena Party but later declared himself independent, often criticizing former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for his “hugs not bullets” approach to dealing with organized crime.
The killing has reverberated beyond Mexico, prompting reactions from U.S. officials. Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and former ambassador to Mexico, expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “On this All Souls’ Day, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico, who was assassinated at a public Day of the Dead celebration last night.” He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to deepen security cooperation with Mexico in the fight against organized crime.
Manzo was at the event accompanied by national guard troops, but they were unable to prevent the attack. His assassination has intensified calls for stronger measures against the cartels, with many in the community expressing outrage over the ongoing violence that seems to increasingly target public officials.
As the investigation continues, Uruapan and the wider Michoacán region face heightened concerns over safety and security. Manzo’s legacy as a mayor willing to confront the harsh realities of cartel violence will likely inspire both support and fear among those who follow in his footsteps.
