Seven Bodyguards Arrested in Connection with Mexican Mayor's Murder

Sun Nov 23 2025 11:38:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The arrest of seven bodyguards linked to the assassination of Uruapan's mayor, Carlos Manzo, raises questions about security failures in the face of cartel violence.

Authorities have arrested seven bodyguards implicated in the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Mexico, shot dead on November 1 during a public event. The arrests follow the apprehension of a man identified as the masterminds behind the murder, believed to have ties to a powerful drug cartel. The incident has sparked outrage and protests over public safety and security measures.

Seven bodyguards have been arrested over their alleged involvement in the murder of a popular Mexican mayor, authorities have said.

Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan and an outspoken critic of cartel violence, was shot dead on 1 November at a public event marking the Day of the Dead.

The office of the attorney general of Michoacán state stated that the public servants were detained for their probable participation in the crime of aggravated homicide, in commission by omission concerning Manzo's killing.

This follows the arrest earlier in the week of a man described by police as the mastermind behind the murder, who is believed to have associations with a significant cartel.

The attorney general's office noted that the seven guards were captured by both state and federal officials, including personnel from the National Guard.

Witnesses reported that troops and agents led the suspects out of a municipal building close to where Manzo was assassinated.

The 40-year-old mayor was attending a ceremony for the Day of the Dead alongside his relatives when he was shot seven times, prompting bystanders to flee.

His assassination has led to protests and raised serious concerns about the failure of his security team to prevent the attack. The suspect was restrained and shot by Manzo's bodyguards following the incident.

Manzo had been a vocal opponent of extortion and violence targeted at avocado growers in his area and had urged the federal government to take action against the control exerted by cartels.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has faced blame from Mexico's security minister for Manzo's murder, is notorious for drug trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion, as well as targeting public officials who resist their commands.

Mexican authorities apprehended the alleged mastermind, referred to by his forenames Jorge Amando, on Wednesday.

While the CJNG is considered the most dominant criminal group in Michoacán, multiple other gangs vie for control over drug, arms, and fuel smuggling routes, often resulting in violent confrontations.

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