Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to ensure justice following the murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan and a vocal critic of organized crime. Manzo, 40, was shot and killed on October 28, 2023, while attending a candlelight festival celebrating the Day of the Dead in the city center of Uruapan, located in the troubled state of Michoacan. His assassination has raised alarm over the ongoing violence affecting local politicians.
In response to the incident, Sheinbaum convened an emergency meeting of her security cabinet. Following the meeting, she condemned Manzo’s murder as “vile” in a statement shared on X. She affirmed the government’s commitment to combat violence, stating, “We reaffirm our commitment to deploy all the State’s efforts to achieve peace and security with zero impunity and full justice.”
Two suspects were arrested and a third was reported dead following the shooting, according to Mexico’s security ministry. The authorities’ quick action reflects the urgency surrounding this case, as public anger continues to escalate.
Calls for Justice and Increased Security
A march was organized for October 29, 2023, in Morelia, the capital of Michoacan, where participants demanded justice for Manzo and an end to the violence that has plagued the region. Manzo had been serving as Uruapan’s mayor since September 2024 and was one of the few independent politicians in Mexico. Known for wearing a bulletproof vest, he had consistently urged the federal government to enhance security measures to protect him and his community.
In an interview with Mexican journalist Joaquin Lopez-Doriga in September, Manzo expressed his fears for his life, stating, “I don’t want to be just another mayor on the list of those executed, those whose lives have been taken from them.” The mayor’s concerns were underscored by the fact that Uruapan, often called Mexico’s avocado capital, has become a focal point for organized crime, particularly due to the lucrative avocado industry that has surged in popularity in the United States.
Manzo had emphasized the need for stronger public security measures, particularly given the region’s strategic importance in upcoming trade negotiations between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. He appealed directly to Security Minister Omar Harfuch, saying, “Minister Omar Harfuch, help us.”
In a press conference following Manzo’s death, Harfuch revealed that the mayor had been granted federal protection since December 2024, which was strengthened in May. This protection included a contingent of 14 National Guard troops tasked with perimeter security, while local police were responsible for immediate protection. Harfuch stated, “The aggressors took advantage of the vulnerability of a public event,” assuring the public that there would be no impunity for the crime.
International Reactions and Ongoing Violence
The killing of Carlos Manzo drew condemnation from U.S. officials, with Christopher Landau, the Deputy Secretary of State, expressing solidarity with Mexico. Landau stated on X, “The U.S. stands ready to deepen security cooperation with Mexico to wipe out organized crime on both sides of the border.” He shared a poignant photo of Manzo with his son shortly before the mayor’s tragic death.
The murder of Manzo is part of a disturbing trend in Mexico, where numerous politicians and journalists have been targeted in recent years for opposing organized crime. Manzo himself had questioned, “How many mayors haven’t they killed because they opposed making these pacts with organized crime?” His assassination has ignited a renewed call for action against the pervasive violence that endangers not only public officials but also the communities they serve.
As the investigation continues, the urgent need for effective measures to combat organized crime and protect political figures in Mexico remains a pressing concern for citizens and officials alike.
