In a shocking act of violence that has reverberated across Mexico, Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, was shot dead in the town’s historic center during the country’s iconic Day of the Dead celebrations. The attack unfolded Saturday evening in front of dozens of residents and tourists, casting a dark shadow over the festive holiday.

Manzo Rodríguez, 40, was gunned down seven times by an unidentified assailant, according to Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch. The mayor was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. A city council member and a bodyguard were also injured in the incident.

Authorities reported that the shooter was killed at the scene, and the weapon used was linked to recent clashes between rival criminal organizations operating in Michoacán. Secretary Harfuch emphasized that “no line of investigation is being ruled out to clarify this cowardly act.”

Michoacán’s governor, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, confirmed that two accomplices were arrested, but investigators continue to determine whether more individuals were involved. The motive for the attack remains unclear, though authorities suspect organized crime played a central role.

The assassination has left the Uruapan community in deep shock. On Sunday, hundreds of residents lined the streets to honor the fallen mayor, accompanying a solemn funeral procession. In a poignant display, a black horse led the procession, carrying one of Manzo Rodríguez’s signature hats, followed by musicians dressed in black playing traditional mariachi tunes.

Social media videos captured the moment of the attack, showing revelers enjoying the festival with marigolds, candles, and painted skull faces before gunshots rang out, sending crowds running in panic. Another clip shows emergency responders performing CPR on the wounded while armed police secured the scene.

Tragically, Manzo Rodríguez is the seventh mayor to be killed in Michoacán since 2022, highlighting the escalating violence against public officials in one of Mexico’s most dangerous states. Michoacán has long been a battleground for drug cartels and organized crime groups, all vying for control over territory and trafficking routes.

In recent months, Manzo Rodríguez had publicly appealed to President Claudia Sheinbaum for assistance against cartels, alleging corruption within state authorities. Since December 2024, the mayor had been under police protection, with reinforced security from the National Guard and local officers, reflecting his ongoing fear for personal safety.

The assassination has drawn strong condemnation from national and international leaders. President Sheinbaum called the killing a “vile assassination” on X (formerly Twitter), expressing condolences to the mayor’s family and the people of Uruapan.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, a former ambassador to Mexico, expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and pledged continued security cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico to combat organized crime.

Beyond his political role, Manzo Rodríguez is remembered as a dedicated public servant who refused to compromise with criminal groups. In interviews earlier this year, he voiced fears of becoming “just another mayor on the list of those executed” for opposing cartels’ influence. His courage and advocacy against corruption left a lasting impact on the Michoacán community.

As Michoacán grapples with this tragedy, the murder has sparked renewed calls for urgent anti-cartel measures, improved public safety, and government accountability. Experts warn that without systemic reforms, the state may continue to see rising violence targeting local officials.

The killing underscores the growing threat of organized crime in Mexico, particularly in regions like Michoacán where drug trafficking, extortion, and territorial disputes are rampant. The Day of the Dead, a festival meant to celebrate life and honor ancestors, was tragically marred by violence, reflecting the broader security challenges facing Mexico today.

For now, Uruapan mourns its fallen mayor, while authorities promise justice and zero tolerance for impunity. Residents continue to honor his legacy, hoping that his death will inspire stronger action against organized crime and protection for public officials.