A vocal opponent of drug cartels and advocate for stringent anti-trafficking laws, a Mexican mayor met a tragic end during a Day of the Dead event over the weekend.

Carlos Manzo, the Mayor of Uruapan, had frequently criticized Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for what he perceived as insufficient action against cartel activities. His city, situated in Michoacán State, is especially plagued by cartel-related violence.

In a September interview with local media, Manzo declared, “We need more decisive action from the Mexican president,” pledging to stand firm and not retreat.

Expressing his resolve, he added, “I don’t want to be another statistic—a mayor who was executed. I am terrified, yet I must confront this with bravery.”

In this image captured from a live video streamed by his team, Carlos Manzo, one of Mexico’s rare independent politicians and Uruapan’s mayor, is seen at a candlelit Day of the Dead festival in Uruapan, Michoacán State, Mexico. Tragically, shortly after, on November 1, 2025, he was fatally shot. (Carlos Manzo via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS)

According to state officials, Manzo suffered seven gunshot wounds during the vigil on Saturday night and succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.

Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced an investigation into Manzo’s killing on Sunday.

Family and friends attend the funeral of Carlos Manzo, the mayor who was shot dead during a Day of the Dead event, in Uruapan, Mexico, Nov. 2, 2025. (REUTERS/Ivan Arias)

“We send our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and the residents of Uruapan, who today are experiencing a painful and unjust loss at the hands of organized crime,” Harfuch said at a press conference. “There will be no impunity.”

Authorities said Manzo’s security was extensive, comprised of officers handpicked by Manzo as well as 14 National Guard members.

A person holds a picture of Carlos Manzo, the mayor who was shot dead during a Day of the Dead event, in Uruapan, Mexico, Nov. 2, 2025. (REUTERS/Ivan Arias)

Manzo’s aggressive approach to crime earned him the moniker “Mexican Bukele,” referring to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who has led a massive crackdown on gang violence in his country. According to the New York Times, Manzo had been critical of Sheinbaum’s approach to cartel issues since her inauguration in October 2024.

“If she thinks she’s going to detain these criminals without a single shot fired and that they’ll just turn themselves in, well, she should get it done,” Manzo said in a May speech, referring to Sheinbaum. “And believe me, if she manages to do that, I will immediately submit my resignation.”