Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, was tragically shot in a public square shortly after inviting citizens to the local Festival of Candles via a Facebook live stream. He passed away on the evening of Saturday, October 7, 2023, after this brutal attack.
Background on Carlos Manzo
Born on May 9, 1985, Carlos Manzo was a prominent figure in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. He was 40 years old at the time of his death. Manzo studied Political Science and Public Management at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO). His career included roles in the private sector, such as working in an art gallery and as an administrative assistant.
In public service, he served as an auditor at the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Michoacán from 2017 to 2018. He entered politics as a federal deputy, winning the position in 2021 with the National Regeneration Movement (Morena). During his tenure, he proposed legislation aimed at criminalizing the irresponsible use of firearms.
Political Career and Advocacy
In 2024, Manzo ran for mayor of Uruapan as an independent candidate after distancing himself from Morena. He achieved a significant victory, securing 95,381 votes, which represented 66.7% of the total ballots cast. His closest competitor from Morena received only 21,215 votes.
Manzo became mayor on September 1, 2024, with a mandate set to conclude in 2027. Prominent in his platform was the improvement of security, a pressing issue in Michoacán, known for its struggles with organized crime.
Focus on Security
Manzo continuously advocated for increased security measures in Uruapan, emphasizing the need for federal assistance to combat crime. Just weeks before his death, he made public appeals on social media for greater military and police presence in the city, highlighting the pervasive violence affecting local agricultural producers due to extortion by criminal groups.
Following his assassination, President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the act and expressed condolences to his family. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to enhancing security throughout Michoacán and the nation.
Circumstances Surrounding His Death
The attack occurred during a public event, indicating that the assailants may have taken advantage of the gathering. Despite having federal protection, including members of the National Guard, Manzo fell victim to this violent act. The identity of the assailant, who was killed at the scene, remains unknown, and investigations are underway.
Insight Crime, a non-governmental organization focusing on criminal trends in Latin America, has identified various criminal organizations operating in Michoacán, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and La Familia Michoacana. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from local officials and citizens.
Community Response
Following Manzo’s passing, a funeral was held where many attendees expressed their anger and grief. His death has raised concerns about the safety of local officials willing to confront organized crime.
Recent statistics reveal that 82.6% of Uruapan’s residents feel unsafe in their city, significantly higher than the national average of 63%. The heightened anxiety regarding public safety underscores the need for tangible changes in how violence and security challenges are addressed in the region.
