The
murder of mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez reignites national debate on
political violence.
Uruapan, Michoacán — Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, was shot dead on Saturday night during Day of the Dead festivities. According to authorities, the gunman opened fire in front of dozens of people, killing the mayor and injuring two others before being neutralized by security forces.
State
prosecutor Carlos Torres Piña confirmed that Manzo Rodríguez, 40, was shot
seven times and later died in hospital. Two suspects were arrested, and one
attacker was killed at the scene. The weapon was traced to previous armed
clashes between criminal groups in the region.
Context
and security backdrop
Michoacán
remains one of Mexico’s most violent states, where rival cartels fight over
drug routes and local control. Manzo Rodríguez had publicly denounced organized
crime and had been living under police and National Guard protection since last
December.
Quote
and testimony
In
a September interview with journalist Joaquín López-Dóriga, he declared: “I
don’t want to be just another mayor on the list of those executed.”
That
statement, now tragically prophetic, underscored the persistent risks faced by
local officials.
National
reaction
President
Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the assassination as “vile” and called an emergency
meeting of the federal security cabinet, promising swift justice. The Ministry
of Security confirmed coordination with local authorities to prevent further
attacks.
Public
mourning and cultural symbolism
Hundreds
joined the funeral procession through Uruapan’s historic center, holding
candles and photos of the mayor amid the Day of the Dead altars. The image of
his coffin among marigold offerings has become a powerful national symbol of
Mexico’s ongoing struggle against violence.
Key
fact: 1 in 5 Mexican mayors reports receiving threats during their term.
The
killing of Carlos Manzo underscores the challenges faced by municipal leaders
in regions marked by organized crime. Beyond personal tragedy, it raises
questions about governance, protection of civic authorities, and the state’s
capacity to guarantee democratic stability.
By:
Maria Perez, Editor-in-Chief, CRNTimes
Edited
by: Maria Perez
Publication date: 11/03/2025