Popular Mexican TikTok content creator César Gastélum has been killed in an armed attack while broadcasting live on the social media platform. The incident took place outside a fast-food restaurant in the Tres Ríos area of Culiacán, a city in the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa, on Tuesday (4 August).
According to local media reports, Gastélum was recording a video with two friends and streaming the moment live on TikTok when the attack occurred. Two assailants reportedly arrived on a motorcycle, and one of them approached the group before firing several shots at close range. The attackers immediately fled the scene, while Gastélum died from his injuries at the location.
Gastélum had built a significant following on TikTok through humorous and entertainment-focused videos, gaining more than 500,000 followers on the platform. His sudden death has caused widespread grief among fans and followers, with many expressing their condolences and paying tribute to him across social media.
At the time of the attack, Gastélum and his companions were wearing bright orange jackets and carrying bags commonly used by delivery workers. Because of this, police initially believed the victim might have been a delivery employee. His identity was later confirmed during the investigation.
Authorities quickly secured the area after receiving reports of the shooting. Forensic teams collected evidence, including bullet casings, while investigators began reviewing security camera footage from nearby locations. However, no arrests have been made so far, as the two suspects managed to escape immediately after the attack.
The killing has once again raised concerns over violence involving public figures and online personalities in Mexico. Incidents involving social media influencers being targeted during live broadcasts have occurred before. In 2024, 23-year-old influencer Valeria Márquez was shot dead inside a beauty salon while she was livestreaming on TikTok, a case that attracted international attention.
Police have said they are still investigating whether Gastélum had received any threats before his death. No confirmed information has emerged regarding possible warnings or intimidation attempts against him. His social media accounts featured posts about travel, nightlife events and luxury vehicles, reflecting his public lifestyle as an online personality.
Investigators are also examining one of Gastélum’s previous posts, in which he was seen near the grave of fellow influencer Leobardo Aispuro, better known as “El Gordo Peruci”. Aispuro was shot dead in December 2024, and authorities had previously suggested that his killing may have been connected to internal conflicts involving the Sinaloa cartel.
Gastélum’s death comes amid a period of heightened security concerns in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa. Since September 2024, clashes between rival cartel factions known as Los Chapitos and La Mayiza have contributed to a rise in violence and killings in the region.
Sinaloa has long faced challenges linked to organised crime, with cartel-related conflicts affecting public safety and daily life. The latest attack has brought renewed attention to the dangers faced by individuals in the public eye, including social media personalities who have gained large audiences online.
Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive behind Gastélum’s killing, and the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are expected to focus on identifying the attackers and determining whether the incident was connected to personal disputes, organised crime or any other possible cause.
