Mexican authorities have arrested an individual identified as Jorge Amando, known as "The Graduate," who is suspected of orchestrating the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. The arrest was announced by Mexico's Security Minister, Omar GarcĂa Harfuch.
Mayor Manzo was fatally shot on November 1 during a public Day of the Dead ceremony. The 40-year-old mayor was attending the event with his family when he sustained seven gunshot wounds.
Minister GarcĂa Harfuch stated that Jorge Amando allegedly communicated with the individuals responsible for the killing via WhatsApp. The official indicated that Amando reportedly pressured his associates to fire upon Mayor Manzo, even if he was surrounded by others. The specific motive for the attack was not publicly disclosed. In Mexico, public officials have previously been targeted by criminal organizations.
Mayor Manzo had publicly criticized cartel violence in Michoacán, his home state. He had also spoken about the extortion and threats directed at avocado growers in the region by criminal groups. Furthermore, Manzo had called for the federal government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, to increase efforts to control cartels operating in the state.
Mexico's security minister linked Jorge Amando to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The CJNG is involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion, and has been associated with targeting public officials. The organization is considered one of several criminal groups operating in Michoacán, where competition for control over drug, arms, and fuel smuggling routes frequently leads to violent confrontations.
The assassination of Mayor Manzo led to public demonstrations. A rally in Mexico City included protesters displaying images of the mayor and banners. Some protesters reportedly clashed with police in the city's central ZĂłcalo square.