In brief
In a significant development following the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, authorities have arrested seven bodyguards for their alleged involvement in the case. Manzo, a vocal critic of cartel violence, was killed during a public event on November 1. The arrests come after the capture of a prime suspect with ties to a notorious drug cartel. The incident has reignited discussions on the dangers faced by public officials in Mexico amidst rampant cartel-related violence.
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 had been detained for their probable participation in the crime of aggravated homicide, in commission by omission regarding Manzo's killing.
This development follows the arrest of a man identified as the mastermind behind the murder, who reportedly has links to a powerful cartel.
The attorney general's office confirmed that the seven bodyguards were apprehended by both state and federal officials, including the National Guard.
Troops led the suspects out of a municipal building on Friday near the site of Manzo's assassination, according to reports.
The 40-year-old mayor was attending a Day of the Dead ceremony when he was shot seven times, prompting bystanders to flee.
Manzo's assassination led to widespread protests, raising questions about the security detail's failure to protect him from the gunman, who was later subdued and shot by Manzo's bodyguards.
The late mayor had been a fierce advocate against the extortion and violence faced by local avocado growers from criminal groups and had called on the federal government for stronger action against the cartels.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has been attributed as responsible for Manzo's death, is known for drug trafficking, kidnapping, and targeting public officials who resist their demands.
Mexican authorities captured the alleged mastermind of the assassination earlier this week, named Jorge Amando. While the CJNG is considered the most powerful gang in Michoacán, numerous others are engaged in violent disputes over control of drug, arms, and fuel smuggling avenues.
