Mayor of Mexican Town Killed During Day of the Dead Celebrations Amid Ongoing Cartel Violence
The mayor of a town in Mexico's western state of Michoacán was brutally gunned down during the Day of the Dead celebrations on Saturday night, leaving dozens dead and hundreds mourning. Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, 41, was shot seven times by an unidentified assailant while standing in front of a crowd of people in the town's historic center. The attack came just days after he had publicly appealed to Mexico's president for help tackling cartels and criminal groups terrorizing his community.
Manzo Rodríguez, a former Morena legislator who won office with an independent movement last year, was known for his tough stance on security and his efforts to combat organized crime. His murder is the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting officials in Michoacán, one of Mexico's most violent states.
The victim had been under protection since December 2024, when he took office, but the government failed to provide sufficient security measures. The attack was reportedly linked to two rival cartel groups fighting for control of territory and drug distribution routes in the region.
Hundreds of residents turned out on Sunday to pay their respects to Manzo Rodríguez, many dressed in black and carrying photographs of the murdered mayor. They chanted slogans calling for justice and condemning the government's handling of the situation. The mourners also displayed a sense of anger and frustration with the ruling party, Morena, which they blamed for not doing enough to address the cartel violence.
The incident marks the latest chapter in a deadly cycle of violence that has plagued Michoacán for years. Just last month, another mayor was killed in the same state, along with his bodyguard. Journalist Mauricio Cruz Solís was also shot in October while interviewing Manzo Rodríguez, highlighting the growing risk faced by officials who speak out against organized crime.
The attack on Manzo Rodríguez has sent shockwaves through Mexico's security establishment, with many calling for greater action to be taken to combat cartels and corruption. The incident will likely fuel further debate about the government's handling of violence and whether it is doing enough to protect its citizens from the worst effects of organized crime.
The mayor of a town in Mexico's western state of Michoacán was brutally gunned down during the Day of the Dead celebrations on Saturday night, leaving dozens dead and hundreds mourning. Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, 41, was shot seven times by an unidentified assailant while standing in front of a crowd of people in the town's historic center. The attack came just days after he had publicly appealed to Mexico's president for help tackling cartels and criminal groups terrorizing his community.
Manzo Rodríguez, a former Morena legislator who won office with an independent movement last year, was known for his tough stance on security and his efforts to combat organized crime. His murder is the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting officials in Michoacán, one of Mexico's most violent states.
The victim had been under protection since December 2024, when he took office, but the government failed to provide sufficient security measures. The attack was reportedly linked to two rival cartel groups fighting for control of territory and drug distribution routes in the region.
Hundreds of residents turned out on Sunday to pay their respects to Manzo Rodríguez, many dressed in black and carrying photographs of the murdered mayor. They chanted slogans calling for justice and condemning the government's handling of the situation. The mourners also displayed a sense of anger and frustration with the ruling party, Morena, which they blamed for not doing enough to address the cartel violence.
The incident marks the latest chapter in a deadly cycle of violence that has plagued Michoacán for years. Just last month, another mayor was killed in the same state, along with his bodyguard. Journalist Mauricio Cruz Solís was also shot in October while interviewing Manzo Rodríguez, highlighting the growing risk faced by officials who speak out against organized crime.
The attack on Manzo Rodríguez has sent shockwaves through Mexico's security establishment, with many calling for greater action to be taken to combat cartels and corruption. The incident will likely fuel further debate about the government's handling of violence and whether it is doing enough to protect its citizens from the worst effects of organized crime.
this is just getting out of control in mexico, like, what's the point of having a president if they can't even keep their own officials safe? 
the day of the dead celebrations are supposed to be all about honoring loved ones, but now it's also a celebration of cartels and violence 
and it's not just him, there are dozens more who have lost their lives because of these cartels. 
the government needs to step up its game and provide some real protection for officials like this guy, or at least make sure they're aware of the risks involved 
i guess that's what we'll have to see how the government reacts to this next 
what a horrible way to celebrate day of the dead, i dont think the mexican gov should be under pressure but they gotta do more to keep their officials safe 
... i mean i feel bad for his fam & the ppl of michoacán, they r goin through so much already with all the cartel stuff... i was talkin to my friend who lives in mexico city last week & she said it's gettin worse every year 
how can u have a celebration like day of the dead where ppl r supposed 2 honor their loved ones & suddenly some1 gets gunned down in front of thousands 
it's just crazy! i feel bad for manzo rodriguez and his family, they r just trying to serve their community but u gotta face all this cartel violence & what does the gov do? not enough, obvs 
it's like they r just paying lip service to the victims' families without actually doing anything about it 
how many more ppl need 2 die before u get serious?!
This is just so sad & frustrating... I mean, what's going on in that country? First, you gotta respect their culture during Day of the Dead celebrations, then suddenly you're getting killed. It's like they're taking it out on him for trying to make a change. The gov't's gotta step up their security game ASAP! 
.
in mexico they're literally losing mayors left and right its like the cartels are just walking around saying "oh we'll kill you next" its not even about the politics anymore, its just about power and money 
i feel so bad for manzo's family and the people of michoacán they deserve so much better than this 
its not that hard