Background and Relevance of Carlos Manzo
Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, was tragically killed on November 1, 2025, during the Candle Festival in the town’s historic center. His assassination sparked widespread outrage, highlighting security challenges in the region and marking a turning point for local and state public administration.
Immediate Responses and Developments
- President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the murder and demanded justice.
- The Michoacán Coordinating Business Council called for urgent action against organized crime.
- The State Camars and Business Associations Council (Concaem) condemned the murder and demanded urgent measures to ensure security.
- Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla attended Manzo’s funeral but was not well-received by the public, who demanded his resignation and accused him of complicity.
- Omar García Harfuch, head of the Security Cabinet, revealed that Manzo had official protection since December 2024 and was supported by 14 Guardia Nacional members for peripheral security, as requested by Manzo.
- García Harfuch also disclosed that the murder weapon was linked to two violent incidents involving criminal groups operating in Michoacán.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum, via Twitter, stated that her administration strengthened the security strategy following the crime and convened a meeting with the Security Cabinet.
- Homero Gómez Valencia, son of activist and Mariposa Monarca defender Homero Gómez (also murdered in Michoacán), expressed his sorrow and announced participation in a peaceful march on November 15 in Mexico City.
- Various politicians commented on the crime and extended their condolences to Manzo’s family.
- Thousands of citizens marched in Uruapan in memory of Manzo, demanding justice.
- Protests occurred in Morelia, with citizens occupying the Government Palace and causing damage.
Investigation and Developments (November 2-7)
- The Michoacán Prosecutor’s Office announced an investigation into criminal groups’ involvement and the detention of suspects.
- Kenia López Rabadán, President of the Chamber of Deputies, strongly condemned the crime.
- Over 1,000 citizens held a vigil in Uruapan’s central plaza, lighting candles in Manzo’s memory.
- Grecia Quiroz García, Manzo’s wife, transmitted a message on Facebook thanking supporters and calling for peaceful protests.
- Community leaders and civil organizations issued statements demanding concrete actions from federal and state governments to protect mayors and residents.
- Claudia Sheinbaum announced the “Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice,” based on three pillars.
- Grecia Quiroz, Manzo’s widow, took the oath as interim mayor of Uruapan.
- The Michoacán Prosecutor’s Office identified Víctor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, 17, as the shooter.
- Business chambers and associations called for a strike, while Uruapan residents marched in white, advocating for peace.
Combating Insecurity
Since assuming the mayorship in September 2024, Carlos Manzo prioritized security as a central focus of his administration. He publicly stated that “the state had lost control” to criminal groups operating in Uruapan and demanded federal and military intervention to safeguard the municipality.
Manzo reported being threatened along with his family and recounted how unknown individuals knew his son’s whereabouts. Among his most impactful claims were the existence of training camps in the Purépecha plateau, where he alleged Colombian and Venezuelan mercenaries operated with high-caliber weaponry.
State authorities denied these claims, but Manzo demanded concrete evidence. He also denounced systematic extortion of aguacate and lime producers, clandestine graves, roadblocks, and partial dismantling of federal operations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Carlos Manzo? Carlos Manzo was the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, who prioritized security during his administration and was tragically assassinated on November 1, 2025.
- What was Manzo’s stance on security? Manzo emphasized security as a central focus of his administration, demanding federal and military intervention against criminal groups operating in Uruapan.
- What were some of Manzo’s claims? Manzo claimed the existence of training camps for mercenaries on the Purépecha plateau, systematic extortion of aguacate and lime producers, clandestine graves, roadblocks, and partial dismantling of federal operations.
- What actions followed Manzo’s murder? Outrage sparked widespread protests, calls for justice, and condemnation from politicians and business leaders. The Michoacán Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation, and community leaders demanded concrete actions from federal and state governments.
