A mayor in Mexico's Michoacán state was shot dead during Day of the Dead celebrations, highlighting the ongoing violence linked to drug cartels in the region. Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan, was attacked while attending festivities in the town's historic center, prompting widespread outrage and calls for justice from the community.

Attack Details
On Saturday night, Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez was shot multiple times by an unidentified assailant in front of numerous witnesses. State prosecutor Carlos Torres Piña confirmed that the mayor was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The attack also left a city council member and a bodyguard injured. Federal security secretary Omar García Harfuch reported that the weapon used in the attack was linked to previous armed confrontations between rival criminal organizations in the area.

Context of Violence
Michoacán is notorious for its high levels of violence, primarily stemming from conflicts between various drug cartels vying for control over territory and trafficking routes. In recent months, Manzo Rodríguez had publicly sought assistance from the federal government, specifically addressing President Claudia Sheinbaum, regarding the escalating violence and corruption within the state police. His assassination follows the killing of another mayor, Salvador Bastidas, in June, underscoring the perilous environment for local officials in the region.

Community Response
Following the mayor's death, hundreds of Uruapan residents took to the streets in mourning, dressed in black and carrying photographs of Manzo Rodríguez. They participated in a funeral procession, chanting for justice and expressing their frustration with the ruling political party. The procession was marked by a somber atmosphere, with a horse bearing one of the mayor's hats leading the way, accompanied by mariachi music.

Security Measures
Despite being under protection since December 2024, with increased security measures implemented in May, Manzo Rodríguez's assassination raises questions about the effectiveness of these protections. García Harfuch noted that the mayor had been assigned municipal police and 14 national guard officers for his safety, though the specific reasons for the heightened security were not disclosed.

Wrap-up
The assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez during a significant cultural event illustrates the severe challenges faced by local leaders in Mexico's Michoacán state amid rampant cartel violence. The community's outcry for justice reflects widespread frustration over the government's inability to provide safety and security to its officials and citizens.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team