Mexican Mayor Shot Dead During Day of the Dead Festivities

A tragic incident unfolded in Uruapan, located in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán, where Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez was shot and killed on the evening of November 4, 2023. The mayor was targeted in a crowded plaza during the Day of the Dead celebrations, an event typically marked by remembrance and festivity. Eyewitnesses reported that the shooting occurred in the town’s historic centre, where many locals and tourists had gathered to honor their deceased loved ones.

Manzo Rodríguez, aged 40, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital following the attack but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, as confirmed by state prosecutor Carlos Torres Piña. Alongside the mayor, a city council member and a bodyguard were injured during the shooting. The assailant was killed at the scene, according to Omar García Harfuch, the Federal Security Secretary, who spoke to the media the following day.

The investigation into the incident revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was linked to previous armed confrontations between rival criminal factions in the region. García Harfuch stated, “No line of investigation is being ruled out to clarify this cowardly act that took the life of the mayor.” He expressed condolences to the mayor’s family and the Uruapan community, emphasizing that justice would be pursued without impunity.

Community Mourning and Political Response

The aftermath of the shooting saw hundreds of Uruapan residents participate in a funeral procession for Manzo Rodríguez, a former legislator with the Morena party. The procession featured a black horse carrying one of the mayor’s signature hats, accompanied by musicians playing traditional mariachi songs. The community’s outpouring of grief underscores the impact of the loss on the town.

Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla announced that the assailant had been working with two additional suspects, who have since been arrested. The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities continue to investigate possible connections to organized crime.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the assassination as “vile,” extending her condolences to Manzo Rodríguez’s family and the Uruapan community. She stated that she had been in communication with both the governor and García Harfuch to ensure a thorough investigation.

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, also expressed his condolences, highlighting the need for enhanced security cooperation between the United States and Mexico to combat organized crime effectively. Landau referred to a poignant image of Manzo Rodríguez holding his young son just moments before the tragic event, underscoring the personal loss felt by many.

A History of Violence in Michoacán

Michoacán has a notorious reputation as one of Mexico’s most violent states, plagued by conflicts among various drug cartels and criminal organizations vying for territorial control. Since 2022, seven mayors have been murdered in the state, reflecting the dangers faced by public officials.

In the months leading up to his death, Manzo Rodríguez had vocally criticized the state government and police for perceived corruption. He had been under protection since December 2024, three months after taking office, and his security was further enhanced with the deployment of municipal police and National Guard officers. Despite these measures, he expressed concerns for his safety, stating, “I don’t want to be just another mayor on the list of those executed.”

This tragic event highlights the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Mexico and the urgent need for effective strategies to protect public officials and their communities from violence.