Who Was Carlos Manzo? Mexican Mayor Who Wanted To Tackle Drug Cartels Shot Dead During Day Of The Dead Event

Carlos Manzo Death News:Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in Mexico’s violence-stricken Michoacan state, was shot dead during a public Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday evening. Authorities confirmed that Manzo was attacked outside a local church while attending a cultural event when gunmen opened fire on him in front of hundreds of attendees.

The 45-year-old mayor, known for his outspoken stance against organized crime, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Two suspects were later arrested, while one of the assailants died at the scene, according to Mexico’s national public security agency.

Mayor Who Defied Drug Gangs

Manzo had long been an open critic of the growing influence of drug cartels in Michoacan, a state notorious for cartel violence and extortion. He had repeatedly appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration for more security resources to combat powerful criminal groups operating in the region.

In social media videos posted earlier this year, Manzo could be seen wearing a bulletproof vest while patrolling Uruapan’s streets with local police forces. “We need more help from the federal government,” he said in one post, urging Mexico City to take a stronger stand against organized crime.

Manzo took office in September 2024 after running as an independent, despite previously being affiliated with Sheinbaum’s Morena party. His campaign focused on fighting corruption and reclaiming control of Uruapan’s agricultural lands from extortion gangs.

Assassination Caught Public Attention

Moments before the shooting, Manzo had shared a video from the Day of the Dead event on his official Facebook account. Witnesses say the atmosphere turned chaotic when gunfire erupted around 8 p.m., sending crowds running for cover. Videos circulating online show panic at the scene, with several people screaming and scattering amid the shots.

Carlos Torres Piña, Michoacan’s attorney general, confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the motive of the attack. “We are exploring all lines of inquiry,” he said, adding that the mayor had previously reported receiving threats from criminal organizations.

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The killing of Manzo is the latest in a series of violent attacks targeting local officials across Mexico. Just days earlier, Michoacan farmer representative Bernardo Bravo—who also spoke out against cartel extortion, was gunned down. In recent months, multiple mayors across different states have been assassinated in similar ambushes.

Mexico has struggled with drug-related violence for nearly two decades, with local politicians often caught in the crossfire or directly targeted for challenging cartel influence.

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Carlos's assassination marks yet another grim chapter in Mexico’s ongoing struggle against cartel violence, a reminder that those who dare to stand up to the gangs often pay with their lives. His death has reignited debate over the federal government’s handling of organized crime and the safety of public officials.

With inputs from agency.