GOOD GUY ASSASSINATED: Anti-Cartel Mayor Gunned Down in Cartel-Controlled Mexican State

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From Breitbart: A group of cartel gunmen shot and killed one of the most outspoken politicians in Western Mexico. The Uruapan, Michoacán, mayor had taken a hard stance against drug cartels and had his city cops fight them at a time when state and federal politicians there had deep connections to criminal organizations.

On Saturday night, Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodriguez, the mayor of Uruapan, was hosting a candlelight celebration surrounded by children when a team of gunmen fired multiple shots at him, also striking a local councilman.

Paramedics rushed both politicians to a local hospital, where, after some time, Manzo died from his injuries.

Fox News separately reported that, prior to his death, Manzo “had been critical of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for what he saw as a lack of effort in combating cartels. His city lies in Michoacán State, which suffers from particularly high levels of cartel violence.”

In September, Manzo had declared, “We need greater determination from the president of Mexico,” adding, “I do not want to be just another mayor on the list of those who have been executed and had their lives taken away from them. I am very afraid, but I must face it with courage.”

Manzo’s greatest fear has now come true, as he was reportedly shot seven times during the Day of the Dead vigil, and died of his wounds at the hospital soon after.

Many on social media are blasting Sheinbaum, saying Manzo had asked her for help in fighting against the cartel, and she ignored him.

After the assassination, Sheinbaum wrote in a statement posted on X, “I condemn with absolute firmness the vile assassination of the municipal president of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo. I express my most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the people of Uruapan in the face of this irreparable loss.”

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau, a former ambassador to Mexico, shared a photo taken of Manzo holding his son at the event prior to his assassination and wrote, “On this All Souls’ Day, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico, who was assassinated at a public Day of the Dead celebration last night. The US stands ready to deepen security cooperation with Mexico to wipe out organized crime on both sides of the border. Here’s Carlos holding his young son at the celebration just moments before the attack. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory inspire prompt and effective action. RIP/QEPD 🙏🇺🇸🇲🇽.”

The mayor’s office had posted a livestream of the festive event on Facebook Saturday evening. The livestream does NOT include the moment of the assassination.

Sunday morning, the mayor’s office announced:

Village of Uruapan: With deep regret we inform you that we will be accompanying our municipal president, Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodriguez in San Jose funeral for anyone who would like to come and say goodbye to our great leader and friend.

From there, we will move at 11:30 a.m. to the Municipal Pergola, where we will perform the posthumous tribute to bid farewell together to the one who gave his heart and effort for Uruapan. Let’s accompany with respect, affection and gratitude to our president, friend and servant of the people.

Producer Eduardo Verástegui also shared the photo of Manzo with his son and wrote, “With his son in his arms, his gaze on the sky and his heart in his town, this is how I want to always remember Carlos Manzo: with hope, with love, and with the smile of someone who never gave up on his people.

“They took your life, but not your example. Your faith and your courage remain engraved in the heart of Michoacán and of Mexico. Rest in peace, brave Mexican, who fought for peace until the last breath of your life. Your light does not go out.”

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