Uruapan Mayor Killed During Day of the Dead Event

November 7, 2025

Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, was assassinated on November 1, 2025, during a Day of the Dead celebration in the city’s historic center. The assassination, which occurred in a public setting, resulted in the immediate death of the shooter and the arrest of two alleged accomplices. This incident marks the seventh killing of a mayor in Michoacán since 2022 and has been followed by civic protests in the region.

Story Highlights

Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, Mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, was assassinated by gunfire in a public attack during Day of the Dead celebrations.
Rodríguez is the seventh mayor killed in Michoacán since 2022.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected a return to militarized “war on drugs” strategies.

Incident and Aftermath

Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, who had been in office since September 2024, was pronounced dead after being shot multiple times. The attack took place as families and children were gathered for the cultural observance. Authorities reported that the individual who carried out the shooting was killed at the scene, and two other individuals were detained.

The public nature of the assassination has been cited by commentators as an example of the operational reach of organized criminal groups. Following the incident, reports emerged of protests and civil unrest across western Mexico, with citizens calling for increased security and government action against criminal organizations.

🔥#CarlosManzo Assassinated

Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, mayor of Uruapan, #Michoacán, was shot during Day of the Dead festival (Día de los Muertos) festival in city centre

Known for cracking down on cartels#México #FueElEstado #MorenaEsCrimenOrganizado #paofc #FueClaudia pic.twitter.com/dlUJMRRNGz

— Rapid Reveal (@rapid_reveal) November 3, 2025

Pattern of Attacks on Local Officials

The death of Manzo Rodríguez contributes to a documented pattern of violence targeting public officials in the state, with seven mayors killed in Michoacán since 2022. The deceased mayor had previously raised concerns about corruption among state officials and had publicly requested federal intervention to address organized crime in Uruapan. His security detail had been increased in May 2025 following credible threats.

Government Response and Investigation

In response to the assassination, President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a statement rejecting a strategy centered on militarized counter-narcotics operations, referencing the lack of long-term success of previous campaigns. The investigation into the killing is being led by Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch. Previous similar cases in the region have reportedly resulted in a low rate of convictions.

The assassination and related unrest have had an economic impact on Uruapan, particularly affecting the local tourism and commerce sectors. Michoacán has an ongoing challenge with organized criminal groups, such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, who are engaged in competition for territorial control and trafficking routes.
In the wake of the incident, Mexican religious and civil society groups have issued calls for greater governmental accountability and enhanced protection for public servants and citizens from organized crime.

Watch the report: Mexico violence: Protests continue over mayor killing in Michoacan