Claudia Sheinbaum Faces Outcry After Murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo
The shocking assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Mexico, has ignited widespread outrage and renewed debate over the country’s ongoing battle against organized crime. Manzo, a 40-year-old independent mayor known for his outspoken stance on public safety, was gunned down during a public festival celebrating DÃa de Muertos. The attack happened in the city’s main square, just moments after he appeared on Facebook Live to invite residents to join the Festival of Lights — a beloved local tradition.
Manzo’s death has deeply unsettled both citizens and political leaders. It’s been seen not only as a brutal act of violence but also as a symbol of the dangers faced by local officials who challenge criminal networks in regions plagued by cartel activity. Uruapan, located in the troubled state of Michoacán, has long struggled with the influence of groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Los Caballeros Templarios.
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The late mayor, often recognized by his trademark wide-brimmed hat, had built his reputation as a leader unafraid to confront crime head-on. After years with the Morena party — the same political force as President Claudia Sheinbaum — Manzo eventually distanced himself and won his mayoral seat as an independent candidate in 2024. His campaign promised a tougher response to criminal groups and a renewed focus on community safety. “Don’t leave Uruapan alone,” he had urged federal authorities in one of his final posts, asking the Sheinbaum administration to restore national guard forces recently withdrawn from the city.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Manzo had even canceled local patriotic celebrations, citing security risks. Reports indicate he often wore a bulletproof vest during public appearances — a chilling sign of the threats he faced.
President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killing, offering condolences to Manzo’s family and vowing that justice would be served. “These tragic events strengthen our commitment to fight for peace and zero impunity,” she stated on social media. Security Secretary Omar GarcÃa Harfuch added that Manzo had federal protection from members of the National Guard but said the attackers exploited the open setting of the public event to strike.
Still, critics have accused both federal and state governments of failing to act on Manzo’s repeated pleas for help. Political figures in Michoacán argued that his murder exposed the state’s inability to protect local leaders who dare to oppose organized crime.
In Uruapan, grief and anger filled the air as residents gathered for Manzo’s funeral, demanding accountability and stronger protection for their city. According to national statistics, over 82% of Uruapan’s population already feels unsafe — one of the highest rates in Mexico. For many, the death of “El del Sombrero,” as Manzo was affectionately called, is more than a tragedy. It’s a grim reminder of how dangerous it still is in Mexico to speak out for justice and demand peace.
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