Mexican Mayor Shot Dead In Front Of Dozens During Day Of The Dead Celebrations

Last Updated:November 03, 2025, 17:17 IST

Manzo Rodriguez, a former Morena legislator nicknamed “The Mexican Bukele”, was known for his tough stance on crime

People gather to honor late Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodriguez in Uruapan, Michoacan state, Mexico. (AP photo)

A mayor in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán was fatally shot in a public plaza on Saturday night, in front of dozens of people gathered for Day of the Dead festivities.

Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodriguez, mayor of the Uruapan municipality, was rushed to hospital after being shot multiple times in the town’s historic centre, but later died, according to state prosecutor Carlos Torres Pina. A city council member and a bodyguard were also injured in the attack.

Federal Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said the attacker was killed at the scene. He added that the weapon used in the killing had previously been linked to clashes between rival criminal groups in the region. “No line of investigation is being ruled out to clarify this cowardly act that took the life of the mayor," García Harfuch said.

Michoacan is one of Mexico’s most violent states, plagued by clashes between various criminal organisations fighting for control of territory and drug routes.

On Sunday, hundreds of residents of Uruapan dressed in black and carrying photographs of Manzo Rodriguez joined his funeral procession. They chanted slogans demanding justice and expressing anger at the ruling Morena party. A black horse, adorned with one of the mayor’s signature hats, led the procession, followed by musicians playing mariachi songs.

Videos shared on social media show the attack taking place during the festival, with people in costume and painted faces fleeing after gunfire erupted. In another clip, officials are seen performing CPR on the mayor as armed police secure the area.

Manzo Rodriguez, a former Morena legislator nicknamed “The Mexican Bukele" for his tough stance on crime, had taken office after winning midterm elections as an independent candidate. He had been under police protection since December 2024, which was later reinforced with municipal police and National Guard officers.

(With inputs from AP)

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