Mexico arrests suspected mastermind behind Mayor Carlos Manzo’s assassination

Mexico Police have arrested a man they say planned the killing of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, who was shot dead on 1 November during a Day of the Dead event. 

Manzo had been known for speaking against cartel activity in Michoacán, and his death sparked large protests across the country.

Mexico’s security minister said the suspect had ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

“This arrest represents a key step in dismantling the criminal structure responsible for this attack,” Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said.

Officials did not give a motive, but local leaders in Mexico are often targeted by criminal groups for refusing to cooperate. García Harfuch identified the suspect as Jorge Amando, also known as ‘The Graduate’, saying he had ordered the shooting and coordinated with the gunmen over WhatsApp.

He said The Graduate pushed his men to fire even if Manzo was surrounded by people. Manzo, 40, was at the ceremony with his family when he was shot seven times, causing people to run for safety.

Before his death, Manzo had spoken publicly about criminal groups extorting avocado growers and had urged President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to take stronger action against cartels active in the state.

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The CJNG, which the security minister linked to the attack, is involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, and is known for targeting officials who resist them. 

Though CJNG is seen as the most dominant cartel in Michoacán, other groups also operate there, competing for control of drug, arms, and fuel routes.

Manzo’s killing led to widespread demonstrations. At a major protest in Mexico City, people carried his photo and banners saying ‘we are all Carlos Manzo’. Some protesters clashed with police in the Zócalo square.

(BBC News)

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