Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged that justice will be served following the murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan and a vocal critic of organized crime. Manzo was shot and killed on November 4, 2023, during a candlelight vigil for the Day of the Dead in the city center of Uruapan, located in the violence-stricken western state of Michoacan.
Two suspects have been arrested, while a third was reported dead, according to a statement from the country’s security ministry. In response to the assassination, Sheinbaum convened an emergency meeting of her security cabinet and condemned the act as “vile.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving “peace and security with zero impunity and full justice” in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Community Response and Call for Justice
The local community reacted swiftly to Manzo’s death, organizing a march in the capital of Michoacan, Morelia, to demand justice and an end to violence and corruption in the region. Elected as one of the few independent politicians in Mexico, Manzo had been serving as Uruapan’s mayor since September 2024. Known for often wearing a bulletproof vest, he had publicly urged the federal government to take stronger measures against organized crime due to his fears for personal safety.
In a poignant interview with Mexican journalist Joaquin Lopez-Doriga in September, Manzo expressed his concern: “I don’t want to be just another mayor on the list of those executed.” His commitment to combating organized crime was evident, as he called for urgent actions from the government to protect not only himself but also the community he served.
Uruapan, nicknamed Mexico’s avocado capital, has seen its local industry struggle amid rising criminal activities. The area’s economic significance has made it a target for organized crime groups seeking to exploit the lucrative avocado trade, which has surged due to increasing demand from the United States. Manzo had previously highlighted the need for a robust security strategy, particularly with an upcoming review of Mexico’s trade agreement with the U.S. and Canada.
Government and International Reactions
Following the assassination, Omar Harfuch, the Security Minister, stated during a press conference that Manzo had been under federal protection since December 2024, with security measures intensified in May 2025. The protection included 14 National Guard members assigned to perimeter security at public events. Harfuch remarked, “The aggressors took advantage of the vulnerability of a public event,” assuring the public that there would be no impunity for the crime.
The killing has drawn reaction from U.S. officials as well. Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, condemned the act, stating that the U.S. was prepared to enhance security cooperation with Mexico to eradicate organized crime on both sides of the border. He shared a poignant image of Manzo with his young son shortly before the mayor’s untimely death, underscoring the personal loss felt by many.
The murder of Carlos Manzo is part of a troubling trend in Mexico, where numerous politicians, including mayors and journalists, have faced violence in recent years. As the country grapples with the escalating threat of organized crime, the calls for justice and enhanced security measures have become increasingly urgent.
