Investigation and Arrests
Seven bodyguards have been arrested in connection with the homicide of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán state, Mexico. The arrests were announced by the attorney general's office of Michoacán, stating the public servants were detained for their "probable participation in the crime of aggravated homicide, in commission by omission."
State and federal officials, including the National Guard, conducted the arrests. The bodyguards were reportedly escorted from a municipal building on Friday, located near the site of the incident.
Details of the Incident
Carlos Manzo was fatally shot on November 1 during a public event commemorating the Day of the Dead. He sustained seven gunshot wounds. Bystanders at the ceremony fled following the shooting. The individual identified as the assailant was subsequently restrained and shot by Manzo's bodyguards.
Context of the Homicide
Prior to his death, Mayor Manzo had publicly addressed issues related to criminal organizations. He had spoken out against the extortion and threats faced by avocado growers in the region and had advocated for increased federal government intervention to counter cartel activities.
On Wednesday, an individual identified by his forenames Jorge Amando was arrested. Authorities described this individual as having a central role in the mayor's homicide and links to a prominent cartel. Mexico's security minister has attributed the homicide to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The CJNG operates in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, and has been associated with actions against public officials. Michoacán state is a known area of operation for multiple criminal organizations, whose conflicts often lead to violent confrontations over control of illicit trade routes.