Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Alejandro Correa Gómez, the former mayor of Zinapécuaro, has been confirmed missing by the Fiscalía General del Estado de Michoacán (FGE) following the assassination of Uruapan’s mayor, Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, during a Day of the Dead festival on November 1st. Correa Gómez served as Zinapécuaro’s mayor from 2018 to 2021.
Contextualizing the Assassination of Uruapan’s Mayor
Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodríguez was gunned down on the night of November 1st after receiving threats from the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). Civil society groups have criticized the lack of support from authorities and the absence of a security deployment.
President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the incident during her daily morning conference, stating that investigations are ongoing along with recent arrests. She emphasized that the pursuit will extend to identifying those who ordered the assassination, not just the perpetrators.
Sheinbaum cautioned against militarization and war, asserting that these strategies have only escalated violence in Michoacán. She highlighted the importance of addressing root causes, eliminating impunity, and focusing on intelligence and judicial processes rather than the failed “war on drugs” approach.
Community Response and Demands
More than 10,000 people, including family members, friends, and supporters, gathered in Uruapan on Sunday to denounce Manzo’s assassination and demand justice. They emphasized that Manzo had previously sought protection from federal authorities against narco-related activities but did not receive adequate attention or support.
- Key Question: Who is Alejandro Correa Gómez, and why is his disappearance significant?
- Key Question: What led to the assassination of Uruapan’s mayor, Carlos Manzo Rodríguez?
- Key Question: How have authorities responded to the assassination and subsequent concerns?
- Key Question: What is the community’s reaction to these events?
Answer: Alejandro Correa Gómez was the mayor of Zinapécuaro from 2018 to 2021. His sudden disappearance has raised concerns about the safety and security of local leaders in Michoacán following the assassination of Uruapan’s mayor, Carlos Manzo Rodríguez.
Answer: Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodríguez was killed due to threats from the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). Critics argue that insufficient security measures and lack of support from authorities contributed to the tragedy.
Answer: President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged ongoing investigations and arrests, emphasizing the pursuit of those who ordered the assassination. She has also cautioned against militarization and the failed “war on drugs” approach, stressing the importance of addressing root causes and eliminating impunity.
Answer: Over 10,000 people protested in Uruapan, demanding justice for Manzo’s assassination and criticizing the lack of adequate protection sought by Manzo from federal authorities.
