The recent assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan, has shocked Mexico. Manzo Rodríguez was fatally shot during the Day of the Dead festivities, a significant cultural event in the country.
Details of the Assassination
The tragic incident occurred on the night of November 2, 2025, in Uruapan, located in the state of Michoacán. This municipality has been plagued by violence linked to organized crime. Eye witnesses reported that the shooting happened in a public plaza filled with festival-goers, as people enjoyed the celebrations embellished with marigold flowers, candles, and traditional decorations.
Manzo Rodríguez, 40, was reportedly shot seven times by an unidentified assailant. Following the attack, he was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. A city council member and a bodyguard were also injured in the incident, which was notable for occurring in front of so many onlookers.
Investigation and Reactions
Omar García Harfuch, the Federal Security Secretary, announced that the shooter was killed at the scene. He stated that the weapon used in the murder was linked to previous armed confrontations between rival criminal organizations. Authorities are currently exploring various leads to determine the motive and any additional suspects involved in the attack.
- Victim: Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez
- Age: 40
- Date of Incident: November 2, 2025
- Location: Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico
- Number of Shots Fired: 7
- Injuries Sustained by: A council member and a bodyguard
As investigations proceed, Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla confirmed that the assailant was part of a group of three individuals, two of whom have been arrested. The local community mourned the loss of their mayor, organizing a funeral procession to pay their respects.
National and International Responses
The assassination has drawn widespread condemnation. President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to Manzo Rodríguez’s family and the residents of Uruapan. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, offered his support and emphasized the need for cooperation to combat organized crime at the border.
Manzo Rodríguez’s killing marks the seventh assassination of a municipal leader in Michoacán since 2022. The region is notorious for its ongoing violence amid clashes between various criminal groups vying for control over drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
Background on Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez
Before his election as mayor, Manzo Rodríguez served as a legislator for the Morena party and had been an outspoken critic of corruption within local law enforcement and government. Since taking office in late 2024, he had taken measures to ensure his safety, including wearing a bulletproof vest and requesting additional security details.
His death highlights the ongoing struggle against the pervasive influence of organized crime in Michoacán, contributing to a climate of fear among public officials in the region.
