Police in Mexico have arrested a man they accuse of being the mastermind behind the murder of a popular mayor. Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, was shot dead on 1 November at a public event marking the Day of the Dead. Manzo was an outspoken critic of cartel violence in his home state of Michoacán, and his assassination triggered mass protests.
Mexico's security minister confirmed that the man suspected of ordering his murder has ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). 'This arrest represents a key step in dismantling the criminal structure responsible for this attack,' said Security Minister Omar García Harfuch.
The motive behind the assassination remains unclear; however, local officials in Mexico frequently face threats from criminal gangs. The suspect, identified as Jorge Amando, was found to have communicated with the hitmen via WhatsApp and pressured them to carry out the attack, even in a crowded environment.
The 40-year-old mayor was attending a Day of the Dead ceremony with his family when he was shot seven times, causing chaos among bystanders. Manzo had previously condemned the extortion of local avocado growers by criminal groups and requested federal intervention to combat cartel influence in the region.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, responsible for drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, has gained notoriety for targeting public officials who resist their influence.
Following Manzo's murder, mass protests erupted, including a significant rally in Mexico City where protesters carried images of the mayor and declared, 'we are all Carlos Manzo.' Some demonstrators clashed with police during the protests.
Mexico's security minister confirmed that the man suspected of ordering his murder has ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). 'This arrest represents a key step in dismantling the criminal structure responsible for this attack,' said Security Minister Omar García Harfuch.
The motive behind the assassination remains unclear; however, local officials in Mexico frequently face threats from criminal gangs. The suspect, identified as Jorge Amando, was found to have communicated with the hitmen via WhatsApp and pressured them to carry out the attack, even in a crowded environment.
The 40-year-old mayor was attending a Day of the Dead ceremony with his family when he was shot seven times, causing chaos among bystanders. Manzo had previously condemned the extortion of local avocado growers by criminal groups and requested federal intervention to combat cartel influence in the region.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, responsible for drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, has gained notoriety for targeting public officials who resist their influence.
Following Manzo's murder, mass protests erupted, including a significant rally in Mexico City where protesters carried images of the mayor and declared, 'we are all Carlos Manzo.' Some demonstrators clashed with police during the protests.
