Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in Mexico’s violence-stricken western state of Michoacán, was shot dead in the city centre by armed attackers. Two suspects involved in the attack have already been arrested, and one assailant died at the scene.
Following the incident, seven members of the mayor’s own security team were arrested. They were active police officers and were detained for their suspected involvement in the killing.
On 1 November, during the ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations and in the presence of his family, Manzo was murdered in broad daylight. A 17-year-old boy was identified as the main perpetrator, and shortly after the attack, the mayor’s security personnel shot him dead.
Local and federal authorities believe that an organised crime group orchestrated the assassination.
The killing of Manzo sparked widespread outrage across Mexico, prompting the federal government to deploy additional security forces in the state of Michoacán.
Forty-year-old Carlos Manzo had served as mayor of Uruapan for just over a year. During his election campaign, he had taken a firm stance against Mexico’s notorious drug cartels. While this boosted his popularity, it also created powerful enemies.
Until their arrest, Manzo’s seven security officers had been providing protection to his widow, García Quiroz. The state congress has appointed Quiroz as the new mayor of Uruapan.
Federal authorities confirmed the arrest of Jorge Armando N, also known as El Licenciado. He has been identified as one of the main masterminds behind the assassination. According to local media, he is believed to be a leader of a criminal faction linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
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