A tragic event unfolded in Uruapan, Michoacan, when Mayor Carlos Manzo was shot dead during public celebrations for the Day of the Dead on Saturday night. The 40-year-old mayor was targeted by two gunmen in front of horrified supporters in the city’s central square, marking a shocking escalation in the violence associated with drug cartels in Mexico.
In the wake of this brazen assassination, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the act, expressing her deepest condolences to Manzo’s family and the people of Uruapan. She stated on social media platform X, “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the vile assassination of the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo.” The loss of Manzo, a prominent figure who had vocally opposed drug cartel violence, resonated deeply across the nation.
Security consultant David Saucedo characterized the attack as a “kamikaze attack,” reflecting the audacity and brutality of the incident. Manzo had risen to prominence for his outspoken stance against the violent cartels that have plagued Mexico for years. His commitment to confronting this issue was underscored in a poignant statement made last month, where he said, “I don’t want to be just another murdered mayor. But it is important not to let fear control us.”
The assassination ignited outrage both in Mexico City and Washington, D.C. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who previously served as ambassador to Mexico, expressed his condolences on X, stating, “On this All Souls’ Day, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Carlos Manzo.” He emphasized the U.S. commitment to enhancing security cooperation with Mexico to combat organized crime.
Manzo’s political journey began with the Morena Party, affiliated with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. However, he later declared himself an independent candidate and became a critic of the former president’s “hugs not bullets” strategy towards combating narcotraffickers. Elected last year, Manzo was a vocal advocate for stronger governmental action against the cartels, urging Sheinbaum to adopt a more aggressive approach.
Despite the presence of national guard troops at the Day of the Dead event, they were unable to prevent the violence that unfolded. The community is left grappling with the impact of this loss, as calls for justice and a reassessment of security measures grow louder in the wake of this shocking incident.
As Mexico continues to face challenges related to organized crime, the assassination of Carlos Manzo serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by public officials who dare to confront the pervasive influence of drug cartels. With the nation mourning the loss of a leader committed to change, the implications of this tragedy will likely resonate far beyond Uruapan.
