Mexico Mayor's Assassination: Bodyguards Arrested, Mastermind Identified in Major Breakthrough
The shocking assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan and a vocal opponent of organized crime, has seen a significant development with the arrest of seven members of his security detail. These individuals, all active police officers, are now under investigation for their alleged involvement in the "probable involvement in the crime of qualified homicide" related to the politician's death.
A Nation in Outrage: The Killing of Mayor Manzo
Mayor Manzo's death occurred on November 1st in broad daylight, in front of his family, during a Day of the Dead event in Uruapan, Michoacán. The brazen act immediately sparked widespread shock and outrage across Mexico, with authorities quickly linking the assassination to powerful organized crime syndicates. Intriguingly, the initial alleged perpetrator, a 17-year-old boy, was reportedly killed by Manzo's own guards at the scene of the crime.
Manzo, 40, had served as mayor for just over a year, earning popularity as a crusader against Mexico’s formidable drug cartels. His commitment to fighting crime in the troubled state of Michoacán had made him a prominent, albeit vulnerable, figure.
Key Arrests: "El Licenciado" and the Security Detail
Federal authorities recently announced a major breakthrough: the apprehension of Jorge Armando "N," also known as "El Licenciado." He has been identified as an alleged "mastermind" behind Manzo's murder. Local media outlets are speculating that El Licenciado is a leader within a criminal cell believed to be connected to the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful crime organizations.
The seven bodyguards, who were actively protecting Manzo's widow, Grecia Quiroz – recently appointed by the state Congress to succeed her husband as mayor – were arrested following a midday raid in Uruapan. This operation was carried out by agents from the local prosecutor’s office, supported by military personnel and federal guards. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that these detainees, all "public officials," have been transferred to a prison to face judicial proceedings.
Political Fallout and Security Reinforcements
The mayor's assassination has not only fueled anti-government protests but also intensified pressure on President Claudia Sheinbaum to overhaul her national security strategy. In response, Sheinbaum has introduced "Plan Michoacan," a comprehensive initiative combining significant investment in social programs with the deployment of 10,000 soldiers across the state. The aim is clear: to wrest control from the numerous criminal organizations operating in Michoacán.
Public outcry manifested dramatically last Saturday in Mexico City, where a large, Gen Z-led protest denouncing Manzo's murder took place. The demonstrations unfortunately escalated into clashes between protestors and police, resulting in over 100 injuries and 19 arrests, highlighting the deep public frustration and demand for justice.
