Background on Carlos Manzo and His Relevance
Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, an independent mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, was tragically assassinated on the weekend of November 7th during a Día de Muertos event. Manzo, who took office in September 2024, was shot in front of his family and guests despite having official protection. The suspected shooter, a 17-year-old identified as Víctor Ubaldo “N,” was killed by the mayor’s security detail following the attack. Authorities believe the crime is linked to organized criminal groups and are searching for two accomplices.
Community’s Response: A Peaceful Protest for Justice
In response to Manzo’s murder and the recent surge in violence, various business, social, and citizen sectors of Uruapan have called for a total strike and a peace march on Friday, November 7th. The demonstration aims to demand justice and security for the community.
Details of the Peace March
- The march will be peaceful, respectful, and silent at the beginning and end.
- Route: Glorieta de McDonald’s → Av. Latinoamericana → Paseo Lázaro Cárdenas → Calle Morelos → 5 de Febrero → Pérgola Municipal.
- Participants are encouraged to carry sombreros as a symbol of the late mayor and wear black or white mourning ribbons.
- Face coverings, dangerous objects, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- For those unable to attend, organizers suggest displaying banners, flowers, or black ribbons in businesses and homes.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Carlos Manzo? Carlos Manzo Rodríguez was an independent mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, who was assassinated on November 7th during a Día de Muertos event.
- Why is this relevant? Manzo’s murder has sparked outrage and a call for peace in Uruapan, with residents organizing a total strike and march to demand justice and security.
- What is the planned peace march? The march will be a peaceful, respectful event starting and ending in silence. Participants are encouraged to wear black or white mourning ribbons and carry sombreros as a symbol of the late mayor. The route includes Glorieta de McDonald’s, Av. Latinoamericana, Paseo Lázaro Cárdenas, Calle Morelos, 5 de Febrero, and Pérgola Municipal.
- What is the context of this event? Manzo’s murder is part of a series of violent incidents in Michoacán, including the killing of Bernardo Bravo, a lime producer leader, days before the attack on Manzo.
Grecia Quiroz Takes Over as Mayor
On Wednesday, the local Congress named Grecia Quiroz as Uruapan’s new mayor. During her inauguration, Quiroz, Manzo’s wife and current interim mayor, denounced threats and vowed to continue her husband’s fight for justice.
“They took away the father of my children, but they won’t silence me. I stand firm here… I will follow in his footsteps,” she declared, holding her late husband’s sombrero.
The assassination triggered protests in Uruapan, Morelia, and other regions. In Michoacán’s capital, some demonstrators stormed the Government Palace and the local Congress, demanding justice and expressing grief for Uruapan.
Mexico City’s President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged federal support for Uruapan, though citizen sectors have pointed out security concerns and delayed state responses.
