URGENT UPDATE: The wife of assassinated Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo is stepping into his role amidst escalating violence and threats against her life. Grecia Quiroz will be sworn in as mayor during a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum, who announced the development at her daily press briefing.
Manzo was gunned down on Saturday night while attending a candlelight festival for the Day of the Dead, shocking the nation and igniting widespread protests demanding justice. He was only 40 years old and was delivering a speech just moments before the attack when a hooded assailant opened fire, killing him in front of his young son, who was dressed as a skeleton.
At a memorial service held on Monday, Quiroz emotionally declared, “They took the father of my children from me, but they were wrong, this isn’t over.” She vowed to continue her husband’s fight against the powerful drug cartels that have long plagued the Michoacán region, particularly in the lucrative avocado and lime industries.
In response to the dangers facing Quiroz, the leader of the Independent Hat Movement, Carlos Bautista, confirmed that she will be secured by at least 14 security agents. “This is something that should never happen again,” Bautista told Reuters, emphasizing the ongoing threats not just to Manzo’s family, but also to his political allies.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals have been arrested in connection with Manzo’s murder, but the Michoacán attorney general’s office has yet to respond to requests regarding the rising death threats. The violence has intensified in the region, with local producers of lemons and avocados reporting ongoing extortion, kidnappings, and killings linked to cartel activities.
The assassination has triggered a wave of protests in Michoacán, with demonstrators vandalizing government buildings in the state capital, Morelia, for two consecutive days. The unrest reflects a growing discontent among residents over the rampant violence affecting their communities.
President Sheinbaum met personally with Quiroz and Manzo’s brother, affirming their right to demand justice. “They are quite right to demand justice and that this investigation be carried out to the end,” she stated.
As Quiroz prepares to take on her new role, the eyes of the nation remain focused on Uruapan, where the fight against organized crime is more critical than ever. The emotional weight of this transition highlights the personal toll of political violence and the urgent need for justice in a region grappling with the grip of cartels.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the investigation into Manzo’s murder continues, the new mayor’s actions and the response from authorities will be closely watched. The people of Uruapan demand accountability, and Quiroz’s leadership could shape the future of this embattled community.
