Over the weekend, the vibrant atmosphere of a Day of the Dead celebration turned somber in Uruapan, Michoacán, as the city mourned the sudden loss of its mayor, Carlos Manzo. Known for his staunch opposition to drug cartels, Manzo was fatally shot during the festivities.

Manzo had been a vocal critic of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, expressing dissatisfaction with what he perceived as a tepid response to the escalating power of cartels. His concerns were particularly acute given the high levels of drug-related violence that plague Michoacán State, where Uruapan is located.

In a candid interview with local media in September, Manzo underscored his commitment to battling cartel influence, stating, “We need greater determination from the president of Mexico.” Despite the threats he faced, he vowed to press on, declaring, “I do not want to be just another mayor on the list of those who have been executed and had their lives taken away from them. I am very afraid, but I must face it with courage.”

Carlos Manzo, one of the rare independent politicians in Mexican politics, was attending a candlelit ceremony when the tragic event unfolded. The incident was captured in a live video stream shared by his team, which poignantly highlighted the perilous reality faced by those in public office who dare to challenge criminal organizations.

The untimely death of Mayor Manzo is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against cartel violence in Mexico, and it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address this endemic issue.

State officials say Manzo was shot seven times on Saturday night during a Day of the Dead vigil. He died of his wounds in a nearby hospital.

Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced an investigation into Manzo’s killing on Sunday.

Family and friends attend the funeral of Carlos Manzo, the mayor who was shot dead during a Day of the Dead event, in Uruapan, Mexico, Nov. 2, 2025. (REUTERS/Ivan Arias)

“We send our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and the residents of Uruapan, who today are experiencing a painful and unjust loss at the hands of organized crime,” Harfuch said at a press conference. “There will be no impunity.”

Authorities said Manzo’s security was extensive, comprised of officers handpicked by Manzo as well as 14 National Guard members.

A person holds a picture of Carlos Manzo, the mayor who was shot dead during a Day of the Dead event, in Uruapan, Mexico, Nov. 2, 2025. (REUTERS/Ivan Arias)

Manzo’s aggressive approach to crime earned him the moniker “Mexican Bukele,” referring to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who has led a massive crackdown on gang violence in his country. According to the New York Times, Manzo had been critical of Sheinbaum’s approach to cartel issues since her inauguration in October 2024.

“If she thinks she’s going to detain these criminals without a single shot fired and that they’ll just turn themselves in, well, she should get it done,” Manzo said in a May speech, referring to Sheinbaum. “And believe me, if she manages to do that, I will immediately submit my resignation.”