Carlos Manzo, the 40-year-old mayor of Uruapan, was shot dead Saturday night during a Day of the Dead celebration in the city’s historic center, in an attack that also wounded a bodyguard and city council member.

Authorities say the assailant, believed to be acting alone, was killed at the scene by security forces.

Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed Manzo was struck by seven bullets and died shortly after being transported to a hospital. The gunman’s weapon was reportedly linked to previous clashes between rival criminal groups, though investigators have not ruled out other motives.

The assassination occurred in Uruapan, a city known as Mexico’s avocado capital, where lucrative exports have fueled violent turf wars among cartels. Manzo, who took office in September 2024, was a vocal critic of organized crime and had repeatedly called for stronger federal protection. In a September interview, he warned, “I don’t want to be just another mayor on the list of those executed.”

His killing follows a string of political assassinations in Michoacán, including the June murder of Tacámbaro Mayor Salvador Bastidas and the October 2024 killing of journalist Mauricio Cruz Solís, who had recently interviewed Manzo.

President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack as “vile” and pledged “zero impunity,” convening her security cabinet and promising full state support for the investigation. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also expressed condolences and offered cooperation in addressing cross-border criminal activity.

Hundreds of mourners dressed in black joined a funeral procession on Sunday, chanting “Justice! Justice! Out with Morena!” in reference to Sheinbaum’s ruling party. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the government’s security strategy, with critics pointing to limited progress in curbing cartel violence.

Despite receiving federal protection since December 2024—including municipal police and 14 National Guard officers—Manzo was attending a public event when the attack occurred. Harfuch acknowledged the “vulnerability” of the setting and said a full investigation is underway.

No group has claimed responsibility, but the region remains a stronghold for criminal organizations such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Manzo’s death adds to a grim tally of more than 30 politicians killed in Mexico so far in 2025.